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Lifestyle, Our Move to Greece

UPDATE: They Found Our Car

If you missed my last post called: Life Lately – Carless and Covid, I’d suggest you give it a read and then come back, to this post.

In a nutshell, our car was stolen in broad daylight in Athens, on the 15 July 2021. It really felt like a sucker punch. It cut us off at the knees and you’ve read why regarding the financial burden with the insurance not paying out for 3 months, the rental cars being exorbitant and of course, everything that we lost inside the car.

We did A LOT of praying. Praying that my family gets through Covid safely and praying for the return of our car.

God is Good. So are the Greek Police.

On Saturday morning, the 24th of July 2021, Sox got a call from a cellphone number. It was a policeman saying they had found our car. I was changing a nappy, when Sox shouted out from the lounge: “Bailey! Come quick!”
On rushing through, Sox was wide eyed and said: “They found it. They found our car!”

We both just hugged each other so hard and said a prayer of thanks right there in that moment.

This is what happened: Sox got the call from a cellphone number. It was a policeman saying that they had found our car, an hour away from where it had been stolen. Weirdly, the car was locked, so the police were guarding it and asked us to send our key, so they could take the car back to the police station. Problem is, we are in Quarantine for Covid. The cop then suggested we send our key, via a taxi.

Perhaps it’s our SA street smart nature, but Sox asked: How do I know you’re a policeman?
Not a bad question to ask, considering it’s a call from a cellphone number, from a complete stranger.
The cop did a video call with Sox, with him and his partner, both in uniform, with their police car. Still, we wanted to make double sure… Sox called a friend, who happens to be a policeman in Rhodes. He told us to call the police station to verify the cops and also check that this situation was happening. It turned out to be legit, and we arranged an Uber to take the car key to them.

At this stage we had so many questions. How was the car locked? How did they find it? Was it damaged? Were they going to lie in wait, to see if someone came back to the car? Was all our stuff still inside? Most importantly the sentimental item that wouldn’t be able to be replaced – the religious icon, Sox received when he was 18 from his Dad, who is no longer with us. It’s been in every car Sox has ever owned.

The cops called to say they received the key and were taking the car into custody and that once our quarantine was finished, we could collect it. They told us everything inside was gone, but one car seat.

Sox went yesterday, by train and then by taxi to get to the police station. The car is slightly damaged. Both bumpers are scratched and dented (not too badly though) and the window rubber is damaged, where they got into the car.

Every thing has been stolen out of the car

  • 1 x Pram
  • 1 x car seat and base
  • Alexi’s sentimental sleep elephant
  • 1 Camp Cot
  • Shopping bags
  • Beach towels and sunscreen
  • All the beach toys
  • A blow up floaty that Alexi sits in
  • The magnet holder for the phone
  • Phone chargers
  • 2 pairs of sunglasses
  • Sox’s international drivers license
  • Even the mats of the car

What they left behind was the car seat and isofix base, that they obviously didn’t know how to take out.

AND…

The Religious Icon from Sox’s Dad. Goosebumps. An absolute miracle.
They literally cleaned the car out of everything that was removable, except that icon. INCREDIBLE.

So, we are filled with relief, gratitude, faith and a restored love for Greece. I can’t lie – what happened left a bitter taste in my mouth and really knocked us, so when the police called 10 days later with the good news, it made me appreciate this country more.

I received so many beautiful, heart felt messages on social media and the previous blog post itself, and I really appreciate your inpouring of love. Thank you!

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10 Comments

  • Reply Anastasia

    Goosebumps crying from happiness

    July 28, 2021 at 5:21 pm
  • Reply Annaluisa

    What absolute fantastic news. At least you have your car back ..your wheels your transport .
    What a relief .praise the good Lord Jesus .

    July 28, 2021 at 6:41 pm
  • Reply Hayley Joy Weinberg

    Good thing definitely happen to good people. Yay for some light in the darkness.
    ❤️

    July 28, 2021 at 7:06 pm
  • Reply Steve Isaacs

    So amazing that they got ur car back & especially Sox’s precious memories…

    Happy 4 u guys Bailz

    Love & hugzzzz

    July 28, 2021 at 7:40 pm
  • Reply Linda Brown

    That is fantastic news! Some things just can’t be replaced… So glad you have your wheels back! May the rest of your adventure be only good news!

    July 28, 2021 at 8:26 pm
  • Reply Nina Stylianou

    Wonderful news Bailz, thank God your car was found, I wish they didn’t take your belongings in the first place, but sadly criminals seem to live in every country in the world. Keep the faith and may you and your family recover quickly from COVid and the bad experience

    Thank you for sharing, stay well and be safe!

    July 28, 2021 at 8:38 pm
  • Reply Linda Daubermann

    Fantastic news so happy for you guys

    July 28, 2021 at 9:08 pm
  • Reply Christel

    Such wonderful news – God is great.
    So happy you have your vehicle back and that Sox has his special Religious Icon back with him from his Dad.

    July 28, 2021 at 11:24 pm
  • Reply Karen

    such a wonderful feel good read. We need more of this in our lives!!

    July 29, 2021 at 9:47 am
  • Reply jessica

    Great news just show how god works. he will make a way where there seems to be no way…..

    August 5, 2021 at 11:25 pm
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