Fourth Grade A - You're going to do Great!

I made them each a cupcake to have before their performance to remind them
"You're going to be great!"

Rosy Red Cheeks of the Nutcracker Girls

Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Vigil

Painting on the Mustaches

Andres Showing The Finished Product
The boys hated them because they itched :)

Sofia and Sofia

The Special Soloist Dancers 

Nutcrackers Who Come to Life

Miss Webb and Mrs. Vigil's Fourth Grade class have successfully performed their Christmas Production!
                                                   Nutcrackers Come to Life!!!!

Three littles boys open their presents the night before Christmas. They all receive a Nutcracker doll. They begin to play with them when one child starts to imagine what it would be like if the dolls actually came to life. The other two children start to join the imaginations, until they finally all agree, "NNaaahhh...." It couldn't happen. They fall asleep and as they do the nutcrackers behind them begin to come to life.....

The rest of the class comes "alive" starting to "tip-toe" rhythmically, which then becomes a "stomp-like" dance to the Little Drummer Boy. When the dancers finally reach their climax, the clock hits 12. It's now time to go back to their doll-like state, because it is Christmas morning.

The three little boys awake excited about Christmas, but a little confused. They all had a dream about their nutcrackers coming to life. That isn't possible right? "NNNaaahhhh....." Dismissing the idea completely, they then race off to find out what else is waiting for them under the Christmas tree.

Praise Report: Kidnappers Have Released My Student's Uncle!

Thank you to all those who have been in prayer!
I am thankful to report that my student Rodrigo's uncle has been released from the kidnappers two days ago!
They did have to pay a ransom, but he is completely unharmed and praise God they had the funds to have him released. We are believing God to restore this sum to them and are thankful for his protection.
God's Word is true when it says although pestilence and terror may come, we do not need to be afraid, because the Most High is our refuge. He will deliver us!

Psalms 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a] 
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, 
   my God, in whom I trust.”

 ³ Surely he will save you
   from the fowler’s snare
   and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
   nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
   nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.

 ⁹ If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
   you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 ¹⁴ “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
   and show him my salvation.”

Rodrigo has returned to school!!! Thank you for your prayers.
I do not believe everything has been solved with his uncle, but the situation is improving and we are continuing to believe God for a full closure to this situation.
Praise God nothing is too difficult for Him!

Please Pray: Student's Family Member Kidnapped

Here in Honduras, kidnappings are unfortunately very common.
Praise the Lord, there have not been many this year to the people that are involved in the church and the school. However, last year there were at least 3 families, that I know of, who had an immediate family member kidnapped and held for ransom. It has only been through faith and the hand of God that has brought all three of those children back safely to their families.
One of my student's uncles, Rodrigo, has been kidnapped since last Sunday night for ransom. Rodrigo and his family have also been threatened and told the kidnappers know where they attend school. As a result, Rodrigo has been absent from class all week.
Please agree in prayer with me that Rodrigo's uncle will be returned safely to his family and that Rodrigo and his brother would be unharmed during this process.
Thank you for your prayers!!!

             Hadassah

In the Right Place at the Right Time

It was Sunday after church, and eating out at Friday's sounded really good. It had now been 3 months since I ate at a sit down restaurant and I was ready!

We're on our way there in the car when I hear my friend Pamela yell, "Sana en el nombre de Jesus!" "Health in the name of Jesus!" I look over to where she is pointing, and I see a man convulsing on the side of the road. The four of us immediately decide to pull over and help.

The first thing in an American mind when something goes wrong is to call the police. However, here in Honduras, the police take so long, the first thing that comes to a Honduran is to just act right then and do what you know to do. So, that's exactly what we did. We just ran to the man and started evaluating the situation. He appeared to be unconscious and he was shaking heavily. 

We were able to calm him down, give him water, and pray over him. After praying for a couple minutes, we were able to see him return to consciousness and eventually to full health.

It turns out he was walking back from the hospital after receiving some medicine and passed out on the side of the road. We thanked God were were in the right place at the right time and that the man was going to be okay.

Friday's was as wonderful as I thought. A sit down restaurant and a good old American cheeseburger does the body good. :)

During our meal, Pamela received a text asking her to tutor  a mutual friend's son. She had never met them before, but agreed to meet them at Dunk and Donuts for coffee. She invited me along.

We  met with the man and his son to explain his bilingual homework and ended up talking to him for quite a while. 

Earlier that day, Pamela had prayed that God would lead her to the people that needed Him. As we're talking to this man, we were able to invite him to church. He goes on to tell us that he is Catholic, but has always wanted to really know God. He gave us many excuses for why he has not attended church yet, but we just encouraged him to come this Thursday and bring his family. We told him of Pamela's prayer just a few hours earlier and that our meeting was not an accident. Pamela and I are believing for his salvation and excited to look for him and his family at church this Thursday.

What was supposed to be just a lunch out with the girls, turned into a day of ministry. That is the fun thing about the Holy Spirit leading our lives as Christians - we are able to be a part of things we never could have predicted.

Encuentro Con Dios - Encounter with God

At Encounter House

Looking Out over the Pool during one of our Quiet Times with God

We went to a beautiful get away in Honduras called an Encuentro. This is a time to meet face to face with God. Although I have been walking with the Lord for most of my life, this experience was an invaluable time of refreshing, cleansing, and God pouring out new wine in my life. This was truly a time that has marked me - A New Start! 

Hadassah, Blanca, and Angeleen after arriving back from Encuentro

Immediately upon returning from Encuentro, we had a joyful celebration of what God did with the entire church.  Many  young women gave testimonies of how God healed and changed their lives. One young woman, named Blanca (pictured above), gave her testimony of being delivered from legions of demons. Each teaching and ministry time she was set free from another bondage or spirit, until at the very last service, the power of God fell and she was set free from every demonic bondage that plagued her. This process in her life was amazing to watch. What a powerful God we serve!!

Also, after all testimonies were shared, those attending were given the opportunity to give their lives to Christ. It was so powerful to see dozens of people pour down to the altar!

Over 50 people gave their lives to the Lord through seeing God move in their family member's or friend's lives. How beautiful are the works of God!

Dozens of people gave their lives to the Lord after hearing testimonies of the weekend

Animals Gone Wild Series I : A Gringa, Two Hondurans, A Stick, and A Pit Bull

I will never forget my first experience here in Honduras with stray animals.......wild dogs. There are many of them here - almost everywhere you go.

One of my first days here, we wanted to go outdoors and get some exercise. Honduras is not very safe, and as a result, the only place we can go walking is in restricted neighborhoods with guards who know everyone entering and leaving the neighborhood. Walquiria is the lady I live with and she invited me to go walking with her and her friend Mrs. Tome.

As we walked, a few stray dogs would slightly appear and then run away further into the neighborhood. Upon seeing this, Walquiria expressed her strong hate, and even fear towards dogs. Many times she would try to look as far down the street as she could, just to make sure there were no dogs walking by.
As a joke, Mrs. Tome found a large stick that was almost as tall as I am (I am 5'3). It looked very similar to a shepard's staff and Mrs. Tome started carrying it with her, just in case she needed to "protect" Walquiria from the wild dogs. Little did she know, her "staff" would actually come in handy.

We were deep in conversation when I heard Walquiria scream as loud as she could. She threw her latino arms in the air and ran behind me yelling words I did not yet know in Spanish. She squeezed  me tight and threw my body in front of hers.
At this time, I still did not know what was happening, but when I looked up, I realized two large pit bulls were charging after us from the trees nearby. They were growling furiously and were at top speed.

I stood there just staring at the dogs due to shock and not really knowing what else to do. Just as one of the dogs was coming close to us, I see this stick fly in the air and hit one of the pit bulls on the head. Here comes Mrs. Tome with her large staff, smacking the dogs and yelling, "In the name of Jesus, Go Away!!!!"
I could not help but laugh in the midst of the gravity of the situation.  Just the strength in which Mrs. Tome said these words would make anyone be taken aback. However, her tenacity worked.
With the help of her large stick, eventually the dogs did run off, leaving me in bewilderment with a petrified Honduran woman hiding behind me, and poor Mrs. Tome, exhausted from her great fight.

New Series: Animals Gone Wild

After relaying some crazy encounters I have experienced here in Honduras with my friend Jon, he inspired me to create a blog series called "Animals Gone Wild."

There are many stray animals living here in Honduras. Although they are not as fierce as  the displayed picture above (haha), these animals quickly become a part of everyday life. This makes for some pretty funny moments. I hope you enjoy them!

The Smallest Pear I've Ever Seen!

All my students know that fruit and chocolate are two of my favorite foods. Thank goodness they give me more fruit than chocolate!
Today I was given the smallest pear I have ever seen! It was a little bigger than the size of a large gum ball.
This was a very fun surprise in my day.

From Failing to an "A"

Rodrigo and Raul...... A Little Sweaty from the Jumpy on Children's Day :)

I could not be more proud to write about one of my most challenging students who received an "A" on his Spelling Quiz this past Friday! Normally, he has barely passing grades, so this is a huge victory for him!

Rodrigo is very special, but because of lack of supervision at home, his life is very chaotic. Normally his desk and belongings are a mess and he comes to school with stains on his clothing from the day before. He has been failing his quizzes and not completing his work in class. It was so hard to see these conditions from a student who is only in elementary school!
However, after a lot of talks with him and patiently working with him everyday - wow - has he improved!!!
It could not make me happier to see this success. :)

God Is Doing Miracles For My Students!!!

Julissa Reyes

Each morning in our Bible class we have a song of praise and worship, put on the armor of God, pray in the Spirit and lift up any prayer requests that my students might have.
This past week, one of my students Julissa asked us to pray for her grandmother who has cancer in her eye.
We were just learning about the power of prayer and we joined together to believe God to heal Julissa's grandmother.
We faithfully prayed for her several days, and although I knew God was more than able to heal her, I was not expecting to hear about this miracle so fast.
At the end of the week, Julissa told the class that her grandmother did not know the class was praying for her, but went to the doctor to get an update on her eye. When she went, they told her she no longer had any cancer!
When Julissa told the class this, tears filled my eyes and the class broke into a cheer to glorify God for this great work.
It was amazing for these children to see their God move on behalf of their prayers.

Do You Know Between Beans, Apples, and Watermelon Seeds, Which Germinates the Fastest?

Andres Orellana was the plant growing champion!!! And he could tell you watermelon seeds grow the fastest.
As a class we learned about how seeds germinate and what factors each seed needs to grow - oxygen, water, and sunlight.
To test this, we put a bean, an apple seed, some an orange seed, and watermelon seeds into cups with water and paper towels to see which seed would germinate first.
Andres chose most of his seeds to be watermelon seeds, and wow did his grow quick!!! He was so proud.

Way to Go Raul!!!!

As a class we have done some very fun Science projects lately.
The first was each student needed to replicate a huge flower on a poster board and name each part. The projects turned out beautifully as each student then decorated their flower with colored textures. I was very proud of them. :)

Sofia Aguilar's 

Katherine Sabillon's

Nissi Cerro's 

One student in particular really impressed me this week and his effort was an answer to prayer.
Raul is a very sweet student, but he becomes very distracted and does not complete his work in class. He loves to play, but seems very unmotivated to learn. Although his father is a doctor, he does  not have a mother involved in his life and his father is at the hospital until very late at night. This results in Raul not turning in his homework and he has been failing most of his classes.
However, we have been praying to see change in him and we have been encouraging him and supporting him with new strategies to learn while in school.

With this project, he put so much time and effort. He created his own flower out of wire, paint, paper towels, and yarn. What a masterpiece! I couldn't have been more proud to see this change in his demeanor and his enthusiasm  to learn, especially because this work was done at home.
Way to Go Raul!!!!!

Happy Birthday Pastora! To a Woman Who's Given Her Life for Others

Expecting to go to a staff meeting, Pastora Sherree Banegas walked into a room full balloons, gifts, and a birthday chair waiting for her. Over 500 students, teachers, and faculty packed into the auditorium to honor this woman - all whose lives she's impacted.
Pastora Sherree and her husband are the owners and founders of Agape Christian Academy. It has been their sacrifice and vision that has made this school possible. We really wanted to honor Pastora collectively. With our surprise, we brought her to tears and kept them rolling, as we had a continual worship service together- each grade standing on their song they chose to lead.
In the picture above is Pastora worshiping and giving thanks to God. She always gives the glory to God - what an inspiration!

My Honduran Home

Welcome to My Honduran Home!

For safety, we always lock the gate - Sometimes I feel a little closed in - haha

My lovely uniform waiting for me every morning

I love my room! These decorations and air conditioner were a surprise for me when I arrived. Pastora Sheree said I am the first and last missionary to get a new A/C upon arrival - I am thankful! 

My Roomy Angeleen

We love Honduran food here, but some nights we like to make a good home cooked American meal

On the Left is Walquiria - She is the owner of our home, a wonderful "Honduran Mom" for us and the Superintendent of our school
On the Right is Arely - She is our maid and sometimes cook. What a blessing she is to our lives!

Who Knew I'd Be Rovercomer the Dog too!

Rovercomer the Faith Dog

Every Tuesday we have morning chapel for all fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students. Chapels are great times in the week for the children to come together to worship the Lord and learn from their wonderful teachers in a group setting. 


Chapels are always full of skits, games, and surprises. This week, I had the fun job of dressing up as "Rovercomer the Faith Dog" to talk about "Garbage In, Garbage Out" and the importance of guarding your heart.
The kids loved seeing Miss Webb only talk in "German Shepherd," which I have become quite fluent in. ;)
I love that my job description includes activities like these and I have the opportunity to be apart of something so creative, yet impacting. 


I also had to privilege to preach this week's sermon "Garbage IN, Garbage Out." We talked about how in Proverbs 4:23 it instructs us to "guard our hearts, because out of it flows the wellsprings of life."
Through the visuals of trash and candy, we demonstrated how we can have our lives be clean and sweet towards God instead of smelly and full of garbage.  

Asking for Volunteers

"Ethel" was my special helper

Showing the results of a heart of sin

Explaining how to dump out the trash in our hearts and be cleansed again

Scripture of the Year

Leading Worship in Chapel

Being a teacher has been a stretching learning experience! There are many details to observe for the success of each student. I still remember being in front of 29 kids who were supposed to be working quietly, but instead, two were wrestling in the back of the room. There were six girls sitting on the floor playing, two sitting in the front trying to finish their work, while all the others were roaming about the classroom in disorder. I quickly realized I had a lot to learn. 


Upon praying for wisdom, the Lord gave me a verse for my classroom. This has been my strength. 


"Let Your work appear to Your servant, and Your Glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hand for us, Yes, establish the work of our hands."    ~ Psalm (Salmo) 90:16, 17

Children Worshiping at Chapel

I am beginning to understand the work I am doing here is not my own, nor can I accomplish it in my own strength. It is the Lord's, and I think this is beautiful.
My prayer is exactly that - that God would shine His glory, His beauty, and His covering over these children. I have learned to claim scripture over my life each day because I currently have six children with various learning disabilities, and a vivacious classroom full of energy. I have learned I cannot do this on my own, but with God, all things are possible. 

29 People Were Baptized in the Holy Spirit!

Every Sunday morning before ten o'clock service, over 150 people are meeting together to be trained in discipleship. It has been such an exciting time to see these people grow in Christ. I have recently decided to attend discipleship and am currently in the first class.There are 7 different class levels of discipleship in all and this morning, in the first level class, we learned about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful teaching, which afterwards our instructor prayed over us in the Holy Spirit. Twenty nine people were baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues for the first time!! This was such a powerful moment and it is so exciting to see the Lord growing His church. 

Powerful Chapel Times

Every Tuesday we have chapels for all of Primary and Secondary students. These past chapels, there was a powerful outpour of God's Spirit! 
I have been privileged to lead worship for the children in the morning and be a part of the band in the afternoons. There is something so beautiful about seeing these students worship God!


In the morning, the children had a powerful time. There was such a sweet presence of God that filled the room and afterwards, we had a time for testimonies. One student shared she received a call to be a pastor. Another student of mine, Karla, had a fever earlier that day and was not feeling well. She shared with the class, after we prayed for her, she felt well again. Praise Jesus!


In Secondary chapel, the presence of God fell so strong in worship we did not have a sermon. Students filled the altar and asked for a new touch from God. The teachers laid hands on them and words of knowledge and prophesy flowed. 


It is amazing to be a part of a school where there is a time to seek the Lord together and see the gifts of the Spirit operate freely!

Fourth Grade Spelling B

One of the most important things to a student at Agape Christian Academy is if he or she is able to compete in the annual Agape Spelling B. The competition is usually high, because some students have been involved in the contest for several years running. 
In order to choose the contestants, each class has a Spelling B to determine who will represent the school. My class had our Spelling B this past week and some of my students were really nervous. As a result, one of my students Katherine, said the cutest thing:


It was her turn to spell the word towards the end of the Spelling B. Her word was "accomplish."
After hearing the word, she replied, "Can you repeat that Miss?"
I said, "Sure. Accomplish."
She thought a bit harder and then asked, "May I have a sentence with that Miss?"
My response was, "Yes you may. I would like to accomplish my life goals."
She stuttered and thought for a long time and then asked...... "Could you spell that for me Miss?"
I had to hold back my laughter as I reminded her that to spell the word was HER job. :)


Each student did very well and two of my brightest students will represent in our school's competition.

Flying Solo

Wake up at 4:30 am to prepare for the day
Arrive at school at 6:15am to set up classroom
Meet students at 7: 00 am to start the day......
Fast forward - It's 6:30 pm and I am still at school grading papers and planning.....
Finish planning at 11:30 at night.....


Almost 20 hours later, I am OFFICIALLY a Fourth grade teacher!!!


Although I was a little nervous for my first day of school flying solo without Mrs. Contreras, it went really well and I am thankful for God's never ending grace! Its going to be a good year!

Hip Hip Horray for Teacher's Appreciation Day!!

Teacher's Appreciation Day was a complete blast! It is so special how Agape Christian Academy celebrates each member of our team. The day started with donuts and yummy coffee, and treats were delivered to our classrooms through out the day. The kids gave us lots and lots of hugs and kisses, along with wonderful gifts!
I was given a lovely bath and body spray, a bracelet, many cards and candy, and this beautiful cake!
Ah, I kind of like Teacher's Appreciation Day!

Cake Made Just for Me on Teacher's Day.... But we still shared it with the class :)

Surprise, Surprise, We Need a Fourth Grade Teacher!

When I came to Honduras, the last thing I expected to hear were the words that eventually changed the entire focus of this year, "We need you to be a Fourth Grade teacher."

BUT, it has become a pleasant surprise.

Before arriving in Honduras, the plan was for me to work with the school administration. Agape Christian Academy had created a position for me working with accreditation, new marketing ideas, and general administration. However, when it came time for school to start, they still needed one more teacher....which became my opportunity to serve!

I have been training with Mrs. Nancy Contrerras for the past month watching her class strategies and teaching presence with the students. Mrs. Contrerras is one of the best teachers here and is expecting a baby in one month! When she goes on maternity leave, I will become the full - time teacher of Agape Christian Academy Fourth Grade A, until the beginning of January. :)

I have already been teaching several classes and I have really enjoyed it. There has been so much to learn and I am being stretched, but I praise God for this new challenge.

Also, I thank God for the privilege to shape and form these children's lives for this time. They are each so special and full of life. It is amazing how we as teachers are forming this new generation to be godly, disciplined, and extremely intelligent.

My Beautiful Class : Fourth Grade A

The right half of Fourth Grade A!

The left half of my excited class on the first day!

Greeting one of the students on the first day of class

Welcome To My Blog!

Dear Family and Friends,

I have been so blessed to be able to serve here in Honduras for this year as a missionary.

God has been so faithful and I am continually amazed at how He so carefully crafts our footsteps in order to make a difference for His kingdom.

I invite you to be a part of this journey with me!

I will be making new posts every few weeks, along with pictures and videos, to give you an up-close and personal view into what God is doing here.

Also, feel free to browse through the church/school website to discover more information about this powerful ministry, truly a shining light in Honduras.

http://reunionhonduras.org/

God Bless You,

Hadassah Webb