Travels with Old Befana is based on an old Italian legend about an elderly recluse from the pagan era who discovers the purpose of her existence by exchanging a life of solitude and futility for one filled with new adventures and encounters with people from many different cultural backgrounds. As she meets men, women, and children along the way, it is through their circumstances and difficulties that she learns about a God that cares for humanity and how she can be a part of his “big plan.” Though at times she feels her age, this feisty old matron brings new energy and life to everyone she encounters. As her journey continues her travel sack is never depleted for when she leaves something behind she carries away more than she could have ever imagined. It is during the Christmas season that she is filled with joy and anticipation! Women of Italian heritage often have a little statue of Old Befana sitting somewhere in the kitchen, the heart of the Italian home. The statue is a reminder to seek God in all we do, and to carry him with us at all times.