Palermo is a bustling city where cars and motorcycles race through the streets and the deep bass thumps from stereos of passing cars. And yet, the old world is ever present in marble streets and ancient architecture that is on every corner and piazza.

Stores and restaurants line every street, and we discovered that a grouping of stores might sell the same item, perhaps 3-5 shops in a row. We’ve seen a Hat section, a doorknob section, and especially touristy trinkets section.

But we also encountered more migrants and refugees here than anywhere we’ve walked. There are many opportunities to say “hello” and start a conversation about where the men and women called home.

We started the day with breakfast unlike any we’d ever seen. The hotel included the meal with our stay, and it was a buffet that extended around an entire room. White table clothes and chandeliers greeted us in the dining area. We determined that if we stay in the space from 7-10, and ate our fill, we wouldn’t have to buy another meal for the day. But our purpose here isn’t to eat, although, it’s running a close second!

Our team divided on Thursday with the hopes of finding places where those migrants might connect. Some of our group met with a woman from Spain who is working with a local mosque to reach the immigrants, help meet their needs with English lessons, driving lessons, and finding them a job. Later in the afternoon, Sophie and Jeff spent 3-hours talking with one man. It was a beautiful conversation. He told them about where he’d come from, his family, and wanted to show them the port where his boat arrived after his journey. By the end of the discussion, Sophie and Jeff were able to set up an appointment with the outreach ministry for today (Friday). The hope is that he finds a new life of peace and meaning.

Shane met with a local pastor to investigate any possibility of working with refugees and migrants over the long haul, and the three of them visited a centre that offers afternoon tea and conversation.

The other half of the group attended a morning mass at the Missione di Speranza e Carita, spoke with Brother David about the Mother House and toured the 170-acre farm that helps sustain the ministry. We met the priest of the parish, climbed 5-flights of pigeon-poop covered steps to get a view from the roof of a 16th-century villa, and marvelled at a group of men committed to following God, helping the wanderers and the poor, and allowing God to build His house.

We ended the day by sharing our last dinner in Palermo and walking back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

It was a full day. We walked more than 8-miles, had meaningful discussions among the team, with ministries on the ground, and with refugees. I believe we have more questions than answers, but we also have more understanding of the importance of this work and the implications of doing nothing.