Around 3:00 p.m., I received a message alert on my phone, and upon checking it, I discovered that it was a Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. It was a relief to read through it and see that the indicated amount was exactly what I expected. I was told that I would receive $180, and that is exactly what I saw when I first glanced. I had no reason to doubt the source, so I informed my spouse, who was equally pleased. We began planning what we needed to do with her and withdrew a portion of the money the next morning.

I had hoped to start investing in livestock, preferably goats, before receiving the first transfer, but I could not afford it with the proceeds from the hard-to-come-by casual labor. I am glad GiveDirectly came in, and the joy of seeing two goats on my compound has made the biggest difference in my daily life so far. I still hope to add two more in the future and to build a fence around the compound to keep them in when there is plenty of food.

For a long time, I relied on casual labor to feed my family, but in recent years, they have become scarce, and we have gone days without food after exhausting all options, including obtaining goods from nearby shops on credit. I was relieved when I received the first transfer, which I saw as a new beginning for my family of three. I first spent $24 on dry maize grains, which we consumed for at least three weeks before running out.I also needed a long-term project, and with our homestead surrounded by vast open grazing fields and bushes, I decided to invest $118 in two goats that I hope to breed and multiply for future sale. Because goats feed on both grass and shrubs, it is the simplest economic activity that thrives in all seasons. I have a better future with them on my farm because I can always sell one to meet any financial obligation in my family. I also spent $16 on a piece of furniture that was missing in my home, and the remainder was spent on new pairs of clothes for my child, my spouse, and myself. I am thankful for the support and look forward to experiencing even more transformation when I receive the second transfer.