In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, the news seems to get more and more negative by the hour. If reporters aren't discussing the number of casualties caused by ISIS, the alternative usually concerns the ever-present global climate crisis or the latest discriminatory comment made by Donald Trump. In spite of all this mayhem, there truly is always a way to look at the bright side. While we can't ignore these problems our world is facing, here are five less upsetting reports to brighten the day and perhaps restore some of your faith in humanity.
1. Serving the homeless with style
The Kansas City Community Kitchen has taken feeding the homeless to the next level. After being seated by a host and giving their order to a waiter, guests are able to "dine with dignity" thanks to this restaurant-style soup kitchen run by the Episcopal Community Services. Nearly 300 homeless people are fed a nutritional meal each week and offered the opportunity to receive basic culinary training in addition to their lunch. The goal of this organization is to assist the homeless with getting meals and hopefully getting on track for a career in food service.
2. Just keep swimming
A 5-year-old girl saved her mother from drowning in a swimming pool in Corpus Christi, Texas, this week. Allison Anderwald swam to the rescue of the mother, Tracy, as she experienced a seizure while underwater. Doctors say Tracy may not have survived if it weren't for Allison's speedy reaction. Tracy is recovering well and is expected to be out of the hospital any day now.
3. Maybe she's born with it
This 2-month-old girl is already having a good hair day. From the moment she was born, Isabelle Kaplan has been sporting a thick brown coiffure that has made her instantly famous on social media. According to the father, David Kaplan, Isabelle likely picked up his good hair genes as he recalls hearing he was born with a full head of hair too!
4. Breaking tradition
Pope Francis put his own spin on the foot washing ceremony for Holy Thursday this year. Instead of bringing 12 catholic men to carry out the ritual, the pope visited a center for refugees near Rome and gathered four women and eight men. The participants practice a number of different faith traditions, including Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam, and Coptic Christianity. After washing and kissing the feet of each refugee, the Pope described the diverse group as "brothers and sisters - children of the same God" who desire to, "live in peace, integrated."
5. Drink coffee, pray, love
She went out for coffee and left with a warm cup in her hand and an even warmer feeling in her heart. Three staff members at a Dutch Bros. Coffee shop in Vancouver, Washington, showed their support for a grieving customer who had recently lost her 37-year-old husband. After listening to the woman's story, 19-year-old employee Pierce Dunn invited over two of his coworkers to pray for the woman's mournful situation. This photo of their compassion was taken by the next customer in line and immediately gained astounding support on social media as viewers commended the kindheartedness of the young coffee shop workers.
