"I was visiting a relative in Mbale. I felt very happy and thankful. I first thought about building a house."

"I am a housewife and my husband is working as a masonry. As a family of 4, we depend on him for everything in our household. Since he works within the community, the chances of getting a job are limited and in most cases, he stays idle at home. This means sometimes, we go hungry or survive on one meal a day. This has caused a lot of panic in me because I am always wondering what will be the fate of my young children's future. At the moment, I consider the lack of a stable source of income as my biggest challenge."

"The lack of a decent house is what I consider to be my biggest challenge at the moment. This is because it has robbed away my joy as a respected person in the village and I lack the confidence of welcoming my visitors. In addition, the house I am currently occupying belongs to my son who offered to me after mine collapsed. I find this to be culturally unacceptable since it's considered as taboo. What a shame!"

"I was at home ,I was happy and immediately informed my wife about the cash received. The first thought was to clear my son's school."

"After a tiring day of heavy-duty work, I found solace in my bed, seeking a moment of rest. It was a peaceful afternoon, and as my eyelids grew heavy, I surrendered myself to a well-deserved nap. Suddenly, the notification bell jolted me awake. I groggily reached for my phone, unaware of what awaited me. As I read the message, a rush of happiness washed over me. At that very moment, my husband was at the hospital, attending to his own matters. Without wasting a second, I immediately called him, urging him to return home so we could embark on this exciting journey together. We both knew the significance of the message and the importance of making decisions as a team. Our home, the house we had built over the years, carried a heavy burden of debt. For four long years, we had toiled and strived to complete it, but obstacles always seemed to stand in our way. With renewed hope and shared excitement, my husband and I agreed that this was the moment to make it happen. The unfinished walls and incomplete rooms served as constant reminders of our aspirations, and we were ready to face the challenge head-on. We envisioned the laughter of our children echoing through the halls, the warmth of family gatherings filling the rooms, and the serenity of knowing that we had accomplished what seemed unattainable. This house held so much significance for us. It represented our unwavering commitment, our dreams, and our unwavering determination."

"As I relaxed at home, my wife happened to have my phone in her hands when a message notification popped up. Curiosity and excitement filled the room as we eagerly read the message together. The contents of the message brought an overwhelming sense of joy and relief to our hearts. In that moment, our thoughts turned to our unfinished home. It had been a long-standing concern, a dream that had been put on hold due to financial constraints. But now, with this unexpected turn of events, a glimmer of hope ignited within us. We imagined the possibilities that lay ahead. With the newfound resources, we could finally complete our home, transforming it into a cozy haven for our family. The rooms would be adorned with warmth and comfort, and each corner would tell a story of resilience and perseverance."

"Now equipped with a tailoring machine and unexpected goats, I found myself in a much better place than I had ever imagined. It was a remarkable turn of events that filled me with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the future. With the tailoring machine at my disposal, I had the means to turn my skills and creativity into a source of income. I could design and sew beautiful clothes, bringing joy to customers and financial stability to my family. It was a dream come true, as I could now channel my passion into a viable business venture. But the surprises didn't end there. The acquisition of goats, which I hadn't foreseen, brought additional opportunities for financial growth. I realized that these goats could provide a steady income stream through their offspring or by selling their milk. This transformation had a profound impact on my well-being. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that my efforts would directly contribute to the betterment of my family's life. The financial burdens that once weighed me down were gradually lifting, replaced by a newfound. optimism and determination."

"I have been sleeping in some uncomfortable, painful old bedding for a very long time. This condition kept me from feeling at ease as the sun sets. I was even worried that this would cause me to undergo issues with my spinal cord. So, with the transfers in hand, I spent $32 on a mattress and outstanding bed sheets. Considering this is an experience I have never had before, it made me feel like I am born again. I later used $30 to purchase a table and two plastic chairs. It was so embarrassing that I could not provide chairs for visitors, so they were forced to sit on the floor or my bed. Now that I can offer them an appropriate place to sit, I am happy. Also, I had just been diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to seek a more effective treatment. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am extremely pleased to be taking medication and doing well. I felt helpless and believed that my life would end because I am a single man with no close relatives or a steady source of income. Usually, I rely on odd jobs and make an average of $2 every single day. I will sadly be unable to work for some time due to the type of illness I have. Later, I spent $260 on a bull and two goats. In the event of any financial difficulties, they will function as assets for which they will be of assistance. They can survive so well in my area; that's why I decided to go for them. I finally bought plenty of the food that I have been taking for the better part of the last month.  "

"In order to improve my health condition, I intend to consult a specialized doctor and explore additional treatment options. Enhancing my overall well-being will enable me to secure employment and generate a personal income, relieving the burden on my aging mother who herself faces financial challenges."

"Due to a severe illness, my daughter has become bedridden and lacks the ability to tend to her own needs. It is my utmost desire to provide her with financial support to cover her hospital expenses, enabling her to recover and potentially secure employment. Unfortunately, her health continues to deteriorate as we are unable to afford the specialized treatment required, due to the substantial medical bills involved. Witnessing her regain her health and stand on her own two feet is the greatest source of happiness for me."