During the trip to Athens, we only brought 7 days' usage of luggage, leaving the rest in Malta. Now, the challenge is how to bring the stranded luggage back to Kuala Lumpur – one large and two small bags – which has become a headache!
Initially, we intended to ask Father Aloysius to go through the clothes in the luggage, see if anyone could make use of them, and distribute them to charitable organizations, so we wouldn't have to worry about them.
Father Aloysius was also trying hard to find a way to help us get the luggage back to Malaysia. One option was for him to bring our luggage during his summer break in July when he returns to Malaysia. However, he also had his own luggage to carry!
In a stroke of divine intervention, Father Aloysius happened to have a couple-friend from Singapore visiting him, and they needed a large suitcase to carry their belongings. Father lent them his own large suitcase. After they returned to Singapore, they would hand it over to Father's Penang church member, who works in Singapore, to bring it back to Penang. Meanwhile, Father would use our luggage to carry his belongings back to Malaysia during the summer break.
It may sound complicated, but by God's grace, it all worked out easily!
On Saturday morning, 1st of July, my wife and I finally met Father Aloysius and received our luggage. Thus, our journey in Malta came to an end. Alleluia!
In Athens, our passports, my driver license, Identity card, and credit cards were stolen, so we needed to reapply for them. Throughout this process, we could clearly see God's grace taking care of us in every aspect.
On the third day after returning from Athens, the most important thing to do was to go to the police station and report the theft, detailing the loss of documents and cash, to prepare for filing applications and insurance claims.
The first step was to apply for a Malaysian Identity Card (IC). The application process was straightforward, and as a senior, I received priority service. It took less than 45 minutes to complete the process and issued with a receipt. We could collect the new IC one week later (perhaps because it was a loss card replacement, and they couldn't issue it on the same day).
Once we had the IC, we immediately applied for new passports. There were many worries and anxieties, such as possible difficulties with Passport Office, have to wait for 3 to 6 months, or having a short validity period.
We went directly to the immigration office in Putrajaya to apply. Again, with priority given to the elderly, everything went smoothly, and in less than 90 minutes, everything was done. There were no difficulties or interrogations, but due to the loss of the passport, we were not able to get our new passports on the same day but were asked to return to the immigration office after 5 days (28 of May) to collect the new one. On the 30th of May, we went to Sibu to attend the Legion of Mary gathering and then collected the new passport on 6th of June. It has a validity of five years! Being seniors, we paid RM100 for the fine and the new passport. (Passport fee for senior citizen was RM100)
Finally, I applied for the driver's license. The application process was quicker, and once again, priority was given to the elderly. In less than half an hour, I obtained a 10-year validity driver's license.
By putting our trust in God and believing in His grace, we have overcome various challenges and difficulties. Praise and thanks to our Loving Father.
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