As I rode along, belting songs from the Frozen soundtrack with 5-year-old Bailey*, I couldn’t help but grin. She was singing louder than both Marisa and myself and was multitasking with stickers in the backseat. Marisa, a Foster Care Case Manager, graciously allowed me to be her shadow for the morning as she took Bailey to her speech therapy appointment.

"She wasn’t always like this," I heard Marisa say as Bailey continued her enthusiastic tune. "She was shy, she wouldn’t talk much, she was malnourished. And now just look at her."

Louder tones erupted from behind us and we both chuckled — Bailey’s favorite part of the song had come on.

Bailey’s only been in her current foster home for a year and she now has the energy and personality of Tigger: we all held hands as we ran into the building and she promptly tried to hug everyone she knew. Bailey was placed into a Gateway Woods foster home because she was being neglected. In her five short years, she wasn’t modeled how to speak properly so she now goes to therapy once a week. And she loves it! Because she is being loved and cared for and she feels safe – with her foster parents, with Marisa, and even her speech therapist.

As we were leaving, we were yanked away once again by a bounding Bailey, who screamed “I LOVE YOOOU!” before the door could shut on Ms. Julie*. It’s amazing what a little love, a little compassion, and a whole lot of Jesus can do for just one neglected 5 year old.

*Names changed for privacy.