The church I am a member of, Plains Mennonite in Hatfield, PA, has a tradition of giving every child entering first grade their first Bible, in anticipation of them learning how to read.  Charlotte missed this tradition as we came to Cambodia during kindergarten an I did not give it much thought as she continues to enjoy reading from the children’s Bible with Catherine every night.  However, about 6 months ago she started borrowing the adult Bible – Charles’ or mine – and reading on her own.  Realizing this, I decided she would receive a Bible for her 9^th birthday.  However, when we went out looking, there were no NIV English language Bibles to be found!  We did get her a New Testament in English, but held out hope for a full Bible. 

My mom found and sent us one and it arrived last night.  Charlotte immediately took it and began reading, from Genesis, keeping track of her questions in the journal her aunt sent her for her birthday.  So far she would like God to explain exactly why people are masters over animals and why man is master over woman.  She would like for everyone and everything to be equal!  So now I have a new goal or hope for her – to find a mentor, either online or in person, who can listen to her and talk with her about her big questions.  While I love being central in these conversations, I am aware that as she grows, she needs other Christians to be speaking into her life and supporting her spiritual development.  She has read the first 12 chapters of Genesis so far and I have no doubt the questions will get harder and deeper.