“The Friendship Party,” Friend, October 2022, 4–5
The Friendship Party
“Do you think they will have fun?” Maya asked.
“I don’t know what to do for my social goal,” Maya said. She sat down on the couch and flipped through her Children’s Guidebook.
“Do you like any of the goal ideas in your booklet?” Mom asked.
“The one about welcoming others sounds fun,” Maya said. “It says to introduce yourself to someone new and help them meet other people.”
Maya looked up from her booklet. “But I don’t know anyone I could welcome. Will you pray with me, Mom?”
Mom sat down next to Maya. “Dear Heavenly Father,” Maya prayed, “please help me know who I can welcome. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
After the prayer, Maya thought about her friend Jayden. They always played together when Jayden came to visit his grandma. And now Jayden, his dad, and his brother and sister had moved in with his grandma.
“What about Jayden?” Maya asked Mom. “I don’t think he and his brother and sister know many other kids here yet. Maybe I can help welcome them.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Mom said. “What do you want to do?”
Maya thought for a minute. “Maybe we could have a friendship party!” she said. “We could invite some kids from Primary.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Mom said.
Maya and Mom chose a day for the party. They called Jayden’s dad and took invitations to the kids in Primary. Then it was time to plan the fun! Maya and Mom came up with some games. They made lots of snacks and decorations.
The day of the party finally came. Maya was excited for Jayden and his siblings to meet everybody.
“Do you think they’ll have fun?” Maya asked.
“I’m sure they will,” said Mom.
Soon everyone came. Jayden and his brother and sister had big smiles. They played games, ate snacks, and made new friends. Maya was happy to see everyone have a good time together.
“Thank you!” Jayden said after the party. “That was so much fun.”
Maya smiled. She was glad she could help Jayden and his family feel welcome and loved. The friendship party had been a success!
Illustrations by Olga Lee