Jenessa Paulino's Friday was off to a rather unexpected start.

She found the beloved big chili that went missing from Mangilao this week.

"I was really shocked. It was kind of strange. It’s not usual for me to see the pepper there," she told KUAM News.

It was just after 6 a.m. she was in the car with her cousin heading to work.

"We were deciding to take back road, so we went through the dirt road and it was pouring rain," she said.

The bad weather made it difficult to see what’s in front of her.

But Paulino was suddenly forced to stop on Chalan Kirada in Yigo.

"I was like what is that on the road? I was like oh my gosh, it’s the pepper," she said. "Honestly I didn’t know it was missing. That’s the truth. It was a very big surprise. Why would anyone want to take it? It was really cool and funny at the same time seeing it."

She called her parents who then called it into authorities.

Mangilao Mayor Allan Ungacta reported the 80 pounds fiber glass chili pepper missing three days ago sharing frustration that someone would steal their mascot for their annual Donne' Festival.

He was grateful to get the call that it had been found.

"Extreme excitement! Thank you! Thank you, people of Mangilao, thank you media outlets and social network," the mayor said. "Thank you, everyone in Guam. Biba Mangilao. Biba Guam."

His crew wasted no time taking it back to its rightful place.

"Our plan now that it is back home in Mangge' town and the people’s donne' is back, we are going to try to get it refurbished, lock it down, make sure it’s secured," Ungacta said.

While they don't need to search any further for the display, the Guam Police Department is still looking for the thieves.

For now, many are just thankful for Paulino’s social media post.

"I’m happy I found it. That’s my childhood memory right there – the Donne' Festival – so from my heart it is good to give back to the people," she said.