Although my circumstances may be less than perfect, with my long commute, being away from home for 13 hours, having an autistic son, and money being tight, I am determined pursue what God has called me to do, seeing challenges as opportunities. I have made up my mind that I am going to keep pressing in and pressing on, not matter what it takes. I have decided to take classes through Liberty University online. I am going for my second master’s in Human Services with a focus on Christian Ministry. I may not take classes every quarter, but I will be on my way to completing this second masters.  I also have decided to take Mercy to another CGC prep course at A Click Above in Leesburg, VA.  It is a little on the far side, but it is worth it to me. I am going to aim towards getting Mercy her CGC and then her TDI along with taking her to Novice classes. I was able to get my previous dog Coal certified as a Delta Pet Partner after many years.  I just saw a re-run of the episode of Pit Bulls and Paroles in which an ex-convict raises a pit bull with an amputated leg, named Rocket to be a Delta therapy dog. For him, it was a struggle. For me, it’s a struggle. Mercy is by no means a special needs dog, but like my previous dog, she is a challenge. I have emotional challenges, which feed other challenges I am dealing with. Everything I do is harder, including dog training, but I am dedicated and determined. Hats off to Hernando for raising Rocket to be a therapy dog. He reminds me of myself a lot and what I have had to face as an outcast. Tia Torres is an inspiration to me. I may not be rescuing Pit Bulls, but what God has called me to is no walk in the park, but it will be very rewarding indeed. I am committed to raising Mercy to be a canine ambassador for Christ, while I use her as an instrument to share the love, mercy, compassion and grace of Jesus Christ with people like Tias and Armando, hurting people from broken or dysfunctional homes that end up being targets of bullying, at risk for drugs, gang membership, or crime, as well as just plain dying of a broken heart. Too many people are falling through the cracks, and I am determined to come to their aid. I myself am recovering from a broken heart and fighting and striving not to fall through the cracks myself, while planning to help others to do the same. I am not yet sure of all of the steps I need to take to get there, but God will guide me. As long as I follow God’s lead, I cannot go wrong. I will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and not my own carnal desires. He will not give me challenges that he does not equip me to handle. Step by step, day by day, putting one foot in front of the other to ensure that our family does not go under as well being a champion for Christ, and fulfilling my calling, purpose and destiny. I wish to impact as many people as possible before Jesus comes back. Everyone deserves a chance at a life in which they can thrive. I am fighting for my family and for those others who need help in pursuing their calling. I will be using Mercy to help the hurting in the community and to point others to God and Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!