I've always dreamt of starting an income-generating venture. The idea in my mind is to open a grocery shop. The best part is, that I have easy access to fresh, locally-sourced vegetables. It's not only about making a living but also creating a space where my community can find quality ingredients and a friendly atmosphere. With determination, and hard work, this grocery store will be more than a business; it will be a place where dreams and fresh vegetables flourish.

GiveDirectly is truly a remarkable organization, and my interactions with them have left me deeply impressed. Their mission to alleviate poverty through direct cash transfers is as simple as it is effective. I've seen firsthand how this direct assistance can uplift individuals and families, giving them the liberty to decide how best to improve their lives. What's even more striking is that, I haven't come across any instances where GiveDirectly has faltered in their commitment to making a positive impact. Their transparent and direct approach to helping those in need is a beacon of hope and I wholeheartedly support their work.

Upon receiving the second transfer, I used $300 to construct a new house. The old house had collapsed, and I was living in my son's house. It was not giving me peace. Now, I am happy that I have my own house. I remember the satisfaction I felt when I finally moved into my new home. It's not a lavish house, but it's mine, and that's what matters most. Having a safe and comfortable place to call my own has brought me a sense of security and pride that I haven't felt in a long time. I also used $130 to buy a bed and a mattress. Initially, I used to sleep on a torn mat, and it was uncomfortable. Now, I sleep well. The first night on that new bed with a proper mattress felt like a luxury. I woke up refreshed, and it was a reminder that small changes can make a big difference. I also used $40 to pay my son's school fees, ensuring that he can continue his education. Education is so important, and I'm grateful that I could support his learning. With the remaining amount, I bought food for my family. The ability to put some meals on the table is a gift that I cherish every day. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my life has taken a turn for the better, and I'm grateful.

As I stepped out to fetch water one morning at 7 am, my routine was interrupted by my daughter-in-law's excited voice. She asked me to check my account balance, her face beaming with a mixture of curiosity and delight as she had just received her transfer from GiveDirectly. Since she is my helper, I did not object. When she checked, she informed me that I had also received $550. A rush of emotions swept over me, and for a moment, I was utterly speechless. Joy exploded from within, and I couldn't contain my elation. I laughed and cried simultaneously, a dance of overwhelming happiness that I had never experienced before. The worries and uncertainties that had haunted my nights seemed momentarily distant, overshadowed by this unexpected blessing. With a heart full of gratitude, I knew that this simple transfer held the power to transform not just my circumstances, but the trajectory of my family's future.

The transformation that has unfolded in my life since becoming a recipient of GiveDirectly's cash transfer is nothing short of remarkable. The most vivid and heartwarming change lies in the newfound abundance of food within the walls of our home, a contrast to the days of uncertainty and hunger that plagued us before. The agonizing cries of my children, a result of empty stomachs, were a constant reminder of the hardships we endured. There were times when we would go for at least two days a week without a proper meal, a tormenting reality that now feels like a distant nightmare. However, since the arrival of the cash transfer, that haunting chapter has closed. The worry lines on my forehead have eased as I witness my family getting three meals a day. The peace of mind that accompanies a well-fed household is immeasurable, thanks to GiveDirectly.

For a while, I had been finding solace in my son's home, seeking shelter after my own house crumbled. When the cash transfers arrived from GiveDirectly, hope sparked within me. My ultimate goal was clear: I wanted a place to call my own. With that in mind, I carefully allocated the money. I purchased 22 pieces of sturdy iron sheets for $198, envisioning the walls and roof of my future abode. These sheets were like pieces of my dreams, patiently waiting as I gathered the other essential materials. In addition to laying the foundation for my home, I knew I had responsibilities to uphold. I used $20 to settle the lingering school fee balance for my youngest son. Education was the gateway to a better future, and even in my tough circumstances, I was determined to provide that for him. The most transformative decision, however, came when I used $250 to purchase a whole acre of land. This plot wasn't just soil; it was an opportunity. I envisioned crops growing, as a source of sustenance and income for my family. Using the remaining amount, I bought some food for my family. It had been a relentless battle to place a meal on the table, given my lack of a stable income. But now, as my family sat down to eat, I felt a renewed sense of dignity and strength. The cash transfers from GiveDirectly had transformed my aspirations into reality, a foundation upon which I could rebuild my life.