Just Say Welcome

Tilly loves having company. One day, Tilly's mom says a family that has just arrived from Iraq will be staying with them for a while until they get settled in the community. Just say 'welcome!' her mom says. Sometimes that's all it takes for strangers to become friends. A man from synagogue brings over clothes for the children and a neighbor brings a pot of stew that smells just like home to the new arrivals. The Iraqi boy, Youssef, teaches Tilly's brother soccer ball tricks. When an apartment becomes ready for the family, Tilly feels a little sad. Thank you for welcoming strangers into your home, Youssef's mom says. But you're not strangers, says Tilly. We're friends now and you'll always be welcome here.