With a shared vision for a better future, my wife and I embarked on a disciplined savings plan. I committed to setting aside $0.5 daily from my earnings as a bodaboda rider and mechanic, while my wife diligently saved $0.2 daily from her tailoring business. The goal is a two-year savings journey aimed at accumulating enough funds to purchase a piece of land in town. Our collective dream was to build rental houses, a long-term investment that promised future financial stability. The daily sacrifices we made were fueled by the shared belief that these small contributions would pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.

Expressing heartfelt appreciation, I extend my gratitude to GiveDirectly for transforming the lives of everyone in my village. With their support, our living standards have significantly improved. Reflecting on this positive impact, I suggest that GiveDirectly focuses on community education before distributing funds, emphasizing the importance of responsible use. This way, people can make informed choices and maximize the benefits of the assistance provided. Additionally, I express a hopeful wish for continued support, with the aspiration that additional funds will be extended to further ease our journey towards a more secure and prosperous future.

After receiving my recent transfer, I prioritized my family's well-being. I spent $20 and $100 on beds for my children and I respectively, addressing the immediate need for comfortable sleeping arrangements as our existing beds were damaged. With $90, I purchased essential clothing for my kids, both home clothing and school uniforms, replacing what was lost in a house fire. To support our future, I allocated $10 for my wife's dowry, upholding cultural values. Recognizing the potential of her tailoring business, I invested $70 in additional stock, aiming for long-term financial stability. Finally, I used the remaining funds to alleviate the strain of my physically demanding job of repairing motorbikes as well as riding boda boda to make ends meet by purchasing nutritious food for the family. This strategic allocation aimed to meet immediate needs, invest in the future, and provide comfort amid challenging circumstances.

I was at home, enjoying a moment of rest with my 3.5-year-old child, at around 3 p.m. when my younger brother called me. He wanted to check if I had received an Mpesa SMS message, which, sadly, I had not. Following his suggestion, I decided to take a look at my Mpesa balance and, to my delight, confirmed that I had indeed received the expected transfers from GiveDirectly. It was a moment of happiness and relief, knowing that the much-needed support had arrived, even though I received the message at 6 p.m. Two days later, I made the decision to withdraw the funds. With my wife away, I discussed our options with my children. Together, we agreed that the most immediate need was to purchase food for our household. We decided to wait for my wife's return to make further spending decisions, ensuring that we made the best use of the transfers as a family. It was a thoughtful and collective choice, prioritizing our well-being and future planning.

The impact of these transfers on my family's lives has been truly transformative. Before, we struggled with the lack of proper bedding, and we used to sleep on mats without mattresses, making our nights less comfortable and restful. The transfers changed this, as we were able to afford bedding, significantly improving our sleep quality. Moreover, before the transfers, I was in a state of idleness, without much income or opportunity. However, the financial support I received has brought about a positive change in my life. I now have a source of income, which has not only improved our financial situation but also my overall well-being. The reduced stress and the knowledge that my wife can now contribute to supporting the family have had a profound impact on my health and happiness. The ability of my wife to now generate income closer to our family has brought us closer together. It has not only eased our financial burdens but also allowed us to spend more time together as a family of seven. The sense of unity and the improved living conditions have created a more positive and harmonious atmosphere in our home. I am thankful for the positive changes these transfers have brought into our lives.

When I received the transfers, I made several purposeful decisions to improve our family's life and financial stability. I spent $155 to purchase a sewing machine for my wife, who is a talented tailor. This investment was intended to not only support her work but also contribute to the well-being of our family. In addition, $35 went towards purchasing new bedding, ensuring a more comfortable and restful night's sleep for everyone. I also dedicated $100 to debt repayment, helping to alleviate some financial burdens. The remainder of the funds were thoughtfully used for food and clothing, addressing essential needs for our family of seven. We depend on the motorcycle taxi business for our livelihood, and while all the profits from this endeavor primarily go toward providing food for the household, I decided to diversify our income sources by using some of the transfers to open a pub business. This decision not only brought a sense of fulfillment but also the promise of financial stability and a brighter future. I am genuinely happy with the positive changes these transfers have brought into our lives.