She lost both her parents early in life.

Her brothers (contrary to the usual custom here where girls are not much regarded or cared for) were very kind to her, and as she was a delicate child, they took great care of her, and often used to make vows to some saint in her behalf.

At one time, when she was very ill, they vowed to Mar Giurgis (for they are members of the Greek Church, and St.George is one of the favorite saints of the Greeks, and indeed of all the Christian sects here, and they still show the spot where he is said to have killed the dragon) that if she recovered, she should carry to one of his shrines two wax candles as tall as herself and of a prescribed weight.

While she was still feeble they provided the candles, and as she was too weak to walk, they carried her and the candles also, to the holy place and presented them.
When she was eight years old, they were persuaded by an acquaintance to place her in one of the Mission families.

Here she was instructed in her own language, and especially in the Holy Scriptures.