Hurricane Katrina and Brad and Hurricane Rita
Hi Everyone,
This is Ann Swift (Brad's wife) writing to you to let you know
about some of the latest happenings with Brad Swift and his
living on purpose. As many of you know his life purpose is to
live a life of purposeful, passionate and playful service. Well
after a few nights of restless sleep, it came to Brad that he
was being called to use his veterinary training to assist the
animals affected by Hurricane Katrina. He searched the internet
and found the United States Humane Society. After contacting
them, he found out they needed help before Hurricane Rita hit.
So on Wednesday he received a message that if he could respond
within the next 24 to 72 hours his services would be greatly
needed, used and appreciated.
So on Wednesday morning September 21st, the Swift family had
breakfast and planned how to make Brad's trip safe and of the
most service possible. Amber volunteered to call local vet
hospitals and ask if they would like to donate any supplies for
Brad to take to Gonzales, LA (where Brad was going.) To our
surprise we had two hospitals and one grooming business donate
enough supplies to make it necessary for Brad to take our van.
Wednesday was a day filled with activity. Amber and I went
around town collecting the boxes of saline solution, gauze, dog
food, cat food, flea shampoo, disinfectant, pet carriers,
leashes, and more. This all happened within a 6 hour span. To
say the least Amber, Brad and I were deeply touched by the
generosity of the people of Flat Rock and Hendersonville. Some
told us that if they had had a little more notice they could
have given more. It brought tears to my eyes to witness such
authentic giving. People are truly caring.
One veterinarian hospital had a jar on their counter where they
had been collecting money for Hurricane Katrina victims. Upon
counting up the money the veterinarian said to the receptionist
to "Write a check for $50.00 to add the $11.61 that had been
donated." It was truly inspiring to be present to such giving.
This was on top of giving bags of dog and cat food and most of
the veterinary supplies I listed earlier. You can imagine how
truly soul touching this was to be a part of.
Another wonderful surprise was from our church, Unity Center of
Mills River. Brad called our minister to let him know that he
was going to serve the animal victims of Katrina in Louisiana
and was there anything that the church could do to make the cost
of the trip not a hardship on the Swift family. The minister
said "Have Ann stop by and I will have a check for you." To my
deep amazement it was a check for $500 dollars. When I picked up
the check I couldn't believe it was for Brad and his trip. I was
awe struck.
So Wednesday night Brad loaded the van and left for Gonzales,
LA. He stopped on the road to get some sleep and not arrive too
tired and finally arrived on Thursday night. Brad told me it was
a much longer driving trip than he thought. He worked until 4:00
am Thursday morning (or make that Friday morning.) They were
packing up the animals to relocate them away from Hurricane
Rita. Brad's job was to take some of the ducks and chickens to a
place about 150 miles north of Gonzales. They have worked out an
arrangement for prison inmates to take care of the animals long
term. The inmates will have to earn the right to care for these
animals because it is a privilege. Brad will stay there until
Saturday and will most likely head back for Flat Rock on Sunday
and get home by Monday.
Please keep Brad in your prayers for a safe return and that
Hurricane Rita doesn't do too much damage in that area.
Thank you for reading this. Thank you for being a part of Life
On Purpose.
Thank you for helping create a world on purpose.
Sincerely, Ann Swift (Brad's wife)