Artist on Wheels

While we were traveling on the bus up to the northern province at the start of our journey, our team leader was sharing about a street artist on the streets of Siem Reap. She said he was an invalid who lived his days in a wheelchair, but painted beautiful, watercolor pictures. His ‘signature’ was a tiny wheelchair hidden in every painting. She commented on how the first time she came across him, she bypassed him, not realizing the significance of his talent. One of the team members who had purchased a painting, showed it to her, and she spent the rest of her days while in Siem Reap trying to find him again. She never did…

Fast forward to our first day in Siem Reap. As we were walking on the street and perusing the marketplace, I saw a quiet, smiling man sitting in a wheelchair at the corner. On his lap was a basket, and in the basket were several of the pictures he had painted.

”It’s HIM!” I breathed, drawing the attention of those with me. “The man Theresa was talking about!”

We approached him and greeted him. He offered a huge smile in return and held out a handful of pieces for us to look at. Each was unique and beautiful, and each held his special signature in a non-descript and hidden spot. We all chose two or three paintings, and with a contented-yet-humble nod, he rolled them up and secured them with a rubber band. As we walked away with our treasures, I was thinking I should have bought another. I had the two earmarked as gifts to give when I returned home. By the time I decided I DID want one to keep for myself, the gentleman had moved on, and I saw him no more that day, nor the next.

Our departure day from Phnom Penh came much too quickly, and after one last tuk-tuk ride around town, we made our way back to the hotel to wait for our ride to the airport. We were all a bit hungry by then, and walked to the corner Mexican restaurant (yes, in Cambodia!😂) for chips and salsa. As I sat and visited with our group, I caught a glimpse of my wheelchair wonder just beyond the doors of where I sat! Without hesitation, I made my way out to where he was, patiently offering some of his artwork to another visitor to Siem Reap. The woman asked if I’d take a picture of her with gentleman, which I was happy to do. I asked her for the same, and she obliged.🤗

I am so grateful for these tender blessings from the Lord. And the blessing of experiencing His love through our team, our faithful volunteers, the fearless ministry team here, and these precious, beautiful people of Cambodia. 🙏