I would love to get rid of the growth in my stomach. Not only would that alleviate the pain, but also allow me to regain my strength, and with it my business. It would then allow me to be able to provide for my family and in future, they can have better lives through education.

Before GiveDirectly came into my life, my eldest had lived for 25 years without having slept in a bed, nor on a mattress. My house was in shambles and having three kids that had dropped out was both emotionally painful as well as financially strenuous since I had to do it all alone. GiveDirectly gave me a new life. I now have clothes, a bed, a mattress and a better place all round to raise my children. What GiveDirectly does well is renew the lives of those who thought their lives were at an end.

My medical expenses were the first on my list of things to do. I've had a growth for the past three years, which has warranted a clinic visit once every month. If GiveDirectly had not stepped in, I would have been unable to buy the pain killers I desperately need to survive. I added 2 female goats and one male. Slowly making sure that I get assets that can grow our worth as a family. With a sizable amount,I boosted my hotel, located in Mariani Centre, by purchasing flour. I cook chapati,beans, ugali amongst many other local delicacies. Sadly, the past 4 months have seen me not go to the hotels since doctors advise against it. My son has been doing casual jobs on construction sites and brings home $12 per day. Imagine the burden of trying to cover $180 per term for the 4th born in Palakumi Secondary, $10 per term at Mariani Primary, for your kids, on only the $12 your son is bringing in per day. GiveDirectly came in when we needed them most, since the other 3 elder kids have all had to drop out at Form 1, over lack of finances. We will forever be in awe of GiveDirectly and what they have done for my family.

I had taken my niece to the nearby hospital after a motorbike accident when I received a message that confirmed the receipt of the first transfer. Even though I was amidst a crowd, I could not hold my happiness but kept smiling as I read through the message. I had to call home right there to inform my children and my mother, whom I live in the same compound. After we received the medication, we got back home and found everyone happy that we had received the money we had been expecting.

The biggest difference in my daily life is the improved standard of living in my household. I am glad that my children have ample time in school and are well fed when they come back home since I stocked enough foodstuff. I am looking forward to a better future and more transformation when I receive the second transfer.

After a serious contemplation on the budget over the received transfer with my children, we finally settled on a list that prioritizes the most pressing issues in the household. Right after collecting the transfers, I paid KES 20000 school fee for my children to clear both the arrears and the current term. This was quite a relief that gave me time to concentrate on other family projects. I also bought two sacks of maize each KES 5000 that we are still using with my family of seven as foodstuff, purchased some pairs of clothes for my children and bedding at KES 5500, and used KES 2500 in seeking medical attention from the nearby medical facility and the remaining on equipping my school children with stationeries and other household goods. I am thankful for this support that has brought a lot of changes not only in my household but also in other houses in the village.