In the coming year, my aspiration is to fence our garden, turning it into a fruitful plot where I can cultivate fruits to generate income for my family of nine. My plan is to raise a capital of $300, and I aim to acquire this from the profits garnered through farming endeavors and the sale of goats. This investment in fencing the garden is more than just a project; it's a pathway toward financial independence and stability for us. By transforming this space into a fruit-bearing garden, I envision a sustainable source of income that can cater to our household needs and possibly pave the way for a brighter future. The capital I hope to accumulate from farming profits and goat sales signifies our dedication to making this dream a reality. Every seed planted and every goat raised represents a step closer to achieving this goal, one that I believe will significantly impact our family's livelihood.

GiveDirectly's support during the severe drought was a beacon of hope in our community's darkest hour, offering crucial assistance when life became unbearably expensive. The transfers provided a significant boost to our financial standing, particularly when I allocated them to enhance my wife's business, creating stability during tough times. While I am immensely grateful for their aid, I believe additional support, like more boreholes, could transform our lives further. Access to more water sources would alleviate the struggles caused by drought, easing the burden on families like ours. Furthermore, an empowered healthcare system would be a game-changer, ensuring that vital medical services are accessible to everyone in our community. If GiveDirectly could extend their support in these crucial areas, it would not only alleviate immediate hardships but also pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous community, lifting us beyond the challenges imposed by nature and circumstances.

When the transfers arrived, they were a lifeline amidst our struggles. With $100, we connected our home to the community borehole, finally securing clean water for our large family, a simple yet profound relief. Investing $200 in my wife's grocery business felt like investing in our future, her thriving business becoming a beacon of hope for our household needs. Prioritizing $75 for my wife's medication was non-negotiable, ensuring her health and well-being. The $45 set aside for tithes reflected our commitment to giving back, acknowledging the support we'd received. With the remaining funds, we ensured our family of nine had food on the table, each meal a reminder of the resilience and gratitude we held close.

In the upcoming year and beyond, my aim is to expand my goat rearing project by adding more goats, thereby increasing my potential income. I previously owned some goats, but I had to sell them to cover my children's school fees. Furthermore, I have a desire to fence my land. To ensure the realization of these plans, I intend to utilize my third transfer to turn these aspirations into a tangible reality.

What particularly caught my attention during the cash disbursement was its unconditional nature. I had never encountered or even heard of receiving money without any expectations attached. It was an extraordinary sensation. While GiveDirectly does an admirable job, I do believe that providing us with prior notification of their visit could prevent individuals from being caught outside their homes or potentially missing out on the assistance.

The desire to construct a respectable home for my family and improve our living conditions has always been my desire. Unfortunately, my financial circumstances, coupled with the responsibility of my children's education, hindered the realization of this aspiration. I am married and have seven children. I serve as a pastor and farmer, while my wife manages a small-scale grocery business at the market. Consequently, after receiving my second transfer, I spent $200 towards purchasing building materials for the upcoming construction of a new house. Subsequently, I used $120 to acquire essential food supplies. Lastly, I directed the remaining $130 to boost my wife's grocery business. The long-awaited dream of building a respectable dwelling will soon come to fruition within a surprisingly short timeframe, filling me with immense happiness and relief. Thanks to GiveDirectly, the future appears promising and bright.