Nese Misa's life over the last few months has been about sausage sizzles, raffles, door knocking, sport, two-minute noodles and her boys.
Despite living in emergency housing in West Auckland, Misa is focused on opportunities.
In particular, the chance for her 15-year-old football-mad son, Dylan Hall, to train in Barcelona, Spain in September.
"I am not the kind of person to say, you know what son, we can't do it. I am not going to sit there and give up," Misa said.
"I will try my best to do what is good for him and hopefully one day he can turn round and say thanks mum."
Misa, Dylan and his younger brother Curtis have been living in a one-bedroom motel room for almost four months after struggling to find an affordable house.
Money was tight, but Misa was putting everything she could towards her son's football career.
Two-minute noodles have been a regular feature on the menu.
Dylan Hall's football career began at 5-years-old. Since then he has been rising through the ranks in Auckland.
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"I restrict what we spend. I say to the kids, you eat whatever comes," she said.
Dylan has been playing football since he was five-years-old.
His talent was clear early on and he has been part of several national training camps, Misa said.
Dylan Hall (L) is a talented football player trying to get to Barcelona next month. But his single mum is struggling to get the cash, particularly as they live in emergency housing.
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Dylan currently played for Central United FC and was part of his school's First XI football team.
Even his boots were given to him by his current club.
Misa said she was constantly fundraising to get her son over the line for Barcelona including raffles, sausage sizzles and selling food to family and friends.
She has managed to raise $2500 so far but $6000 was needed.
"I have done a little letter about him and I walk around local businesses. Just handing it out to get it out there."
Despite the stress, tears and rapidly approaching deadline, Misa was determined Dylan would be on a plane to play and train with the world's best.
"I want my boy to do something good," Misa said.
"He could be a troubled teenager but he's not. He does well at school and he is always, always trying to do his best. All I am trying to do is get him somewhere."
Misa said Dylan and the rest of the team would leave for this once-in-a-lifetime experience on September 28.
"I could sit here and say, you know what, don't worry son, don't worry about your talent," Misa said.
"Or I can go and try and do something to help him get there. It is stressful, but everything is my kids. They are all I've got."
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