Olympia

Olympia is one of the 4 sisters who arrived to Casa Alba the week before Christmas. I talked about them in 2 updates I think so far. Anyhow, she's the oldest and probably having the toughest time adjusting to her new life. She's 8 years old. That means she lived with her mom for 8 years, didn't go to school for 8 years, didn't have running water or clean clothes for 8 years, didn't interact with townspeople (as a Gypsy she's an outcast) for 8 years.
Her hair is almost shaved, was like that when she arrived. So looking like a boy isn't helping her adjustment either. They stuck her in school right away. In my opinion, that was a bad idea.
Oh, and she doesn't know any letters or numbers. How is school for her? Horrible would be my guess. Just being a gypsy in school here brings on enough abuse, really it does. On top of that she doesn't know letters or numbers. Then, she looks like a boy. I am sure that her classmates either spend their time making fun of her or staying far away. The teachers, from what I know of the school system here, are extremely strict and perfection is a must. Do you know that kids here don't learn how to print? They learn cursive from kindergarten. A pre-schooler who colors outside of the lines earns a parent-teacher conference to "discuss the problem."
It's ridiculous. I don't think she's doing very well, Olympia. On Wednesday she wasn't allowed to come to her group time with Kari and I (when we do the Bible stories and puppet shows, songs etc...) So I went upstairs to find out why. In trying to discuss with lady who was in charge of Olympia's room that day (4 kids to a room) she said "Her homework isn't done! She doesn't know anything! We've been sitting here since 4pm and I have to do everything for her because she doesn't know letters, she doesn't know numbers!" On a side note, Romanian homework is unlike any USA homework I've had to do. Kids go to school for 4 hours a day usually and then they almost always have 4 hours of homework afterwards...from 1st grade on it's like this.
Olympia's face was so downcast. I just wanted to grab her and run away.
So I thought to myself, I'm teaching pre-school right now with Caleb and his 2 friends. Why not start tutoring Olympia? I can teach her letters and numbers, I can do her homework with her.
The director of Casa Alba will get back in 2 weeks and I will be bringing this idea to her them.
I just can't stand to see Olympia's face look like that again, it's not her fault...