May 22 was a day that would change our lives and offer many challenges to Nancy's parents, when an EF5 tornado ripped through Joplin MO, destroying homes and taking many lives. Nancy's parents, Wilma and Quentin Woods, took cover in their home when the tornado hit and miraculously did not suffer any injuries, although they lost half of their home. Bruce's father, Jim Muskrat, who had not received any damage to his home (located a mile south of the tornado's path), graciously allowed Wilma and Quentin to stay with him for six weeks while Nancy and Bruce looked for a place in Fort Worth where Nancy's parents could live closer to them. Wilma and Quentin are now official Texas residents and live in an apartment at Legacy Senior Residences, an independent living facility.

The biggest surprise of the year occurred on June 18-19 when Bruce and Nancy's children put together a 40th anniversary celebration weekend. The event began with what was supposed to be a family dinner with the kids that turned into what might be called a "This is Your Life" segment as out-of-town family and missionary colleagues who  had served with the Muskrats in Argentina began walking through the doors of the restaurant. On Saturday afternoon, the Muskrat kids organized a lovely anniversary reception at the Arlington offices of Carroll Institute. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with friends and family and delicious food, including special items from the Argentine Bakery located in Irving. Bruce and Nancy were overwhelmed and so grateful to their children for giving them such a special celebration.

Danny and Sara continue in their same jobs, but they and their children also experienced change this year as they moved into a new home in Mt. Pleasant, complete with a showcase pool. Danny and Sara are active in their church and community, so their new home has already been the site of birthday parties, church socials, and great times of fun. Danny serves as president of the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club and was Grand Marshall in the Christmas Parade on December 3. Luke (6) and Claire (4) enjoyed riding with their dad in the parade. Earlier in the day we had an early celebration of Ben's second birthday.

Andy and Heather have had their own set of changes and challenges with a new baby while keeping up with various ministries in the church, Heather's piano teaching, and Andy's master's level studies at Carroll Institute. On October 30, Andy was ordained to the ministry at First Baptist Church, Bentonville AR. The Muskrat family all sang together in English and Spanish, and Nancy wrote a duet to sing with Bruce for the occasion. Another important event of the weekend was the celebration of Jacob's first birthday.

Nancy and Bruce stay very busy at B. H. Carroll Theological Institute while serving two churches. Bruce continues as interim minister of music at Haltom Road Baptist Church. Nancy has been interim pianist at Haltom Road for the past six months, and both play piano and organ at Agape Baptist Church on Sunday evenings. Nancy served as communications and publications coordinator for the capital fund raising campaign at Agape. They enjoyed attending the Muskrat Family Reunion in Carthage MO at Thanksgiving. Most of all, the Muskrats enjoy playing with their grandchildren and keeping them on many occasions.

May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas! Our prayer for you in the New Year is that you "continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Col. 2:6-7

Blessings,
Nancy and Bruce