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. "e;Just say 'welcome!'"e; her mom says. "e;Sometimes that's all it takes for strangers to become friends."e; A man from synagogue brings over clothes for the children and a neighbor brings a pot of stew that smells "e;just like home"e; 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. "e;Thank you for welcoming strangers into your home,"e; Youssef's mom says. "e;But you're not strangers,"e; says Tilly. "e;We're friends now and you'll always be welcome here."e;