When a tourist is lost in Singapore it is obvious. For those living in a relatively small country, certain parts of town are well known. The Raffles Place and Central Business District are examples that most know well. Buildings have names. Tourist spots are easily visible. When you see someone walking with their head buried in a map or focused on a screen, especially with a bob up and down to reconcile where they think they are with where they think they should be, likely they are lost!
Two women fit the lost tourist description perfectly. Dressed far too warm for being outdoors in Singapore, they wandered to forward, then back, and then stood staring alternatively in all directions except up. Normally I assume tourists like to be left to the quest but they seemed to be calling for an intervention.
“Can I help you find your way?”
“We think we have it figured out.”
“You sound like you are from The Netherlands. Where are you going and how do you plan to get there?”
“How did you know?”
“I have family that lives in Weesp.”
“Really, we live just a few kilometers from there. We are headed to a Taoist Temple on Telok Ayer. We think we should go this way.”
I followed their signals to the east and smiled.
“You could go that way but you would never find your way. Do you mind if I point you in the right direction?”
“Would you?”
Reoriented them with their map, I helped them understand where they were. It was a simple process of then suggesting they put their map away and trust my three steps to remember. Straight, across the street and the light, jog left 5 meters and continue on the street through two intersections and the temple would be on their right.
On so many occasions their words could have been mine; “you wandered for years in the desert, looking but not finding a good place to live.” (Psalm 107.4) I thank God for friends and strangers that helped me find my path.
