“When my child was born, I knelt and prayed. I thanked God she was born.” — Chandra, Karunia’s father
When Chandra, a farmer in Indonesia, saw his baby girl for the first time, he wept with joy. But as he looked upon his little daughter’s face, the dreams and hopes he had built for her in his mind came crashing down.
As the sweet babe lifted her hand up to Chandra’s face, instead of five tiny fingers and nails as perfect as seashells, her fingers were fused together into a club. There was a sunken dip in her forehead and her dark eyes protruded.
“I felt crushed and hopeless.” — Chandra
Born With Apert Syndrome
How would Chandra explain their daughter’s condition to his wife? He helped the hospital staff dress the baby and wrap her in a blanket. He covered her feet and hands with gloves and socks before handing her to his wife, Angelina, with a shaky smile.
They named their little girl Karunia, meaning “bounty” or “prize” in Indonesian. Chandra called his pastor to help break the news of their daughter’s condition to his wife.
“My body was shivering upon hearing the confession of my husband. I just cried and wondered why God had entrusted this to me.” — Angelina, Karunia’s mother
Karunia had been born with Apert syndrome, a congenital condition in which the bones fuse together too early in the womb. It affects the skull, hands and feet. While treatment is available, there is no cure.
Hope Despite a Difficult Start
As a baby, Apert syndrome caused Karunia pain and high fevers. Sometimes, she even struggled to breathe. Chandra and Angelina hated seeing their daughter suffering, but worse still were the stares and fearful looks people in the community gave their girl.
Neither Chandra or Angelina had a good education, and they struggled to care for Karunia, who needed specialized care. But help came from the local Compassion Survival program, who registered Angelina when Karunia was a year old.
Through the program, the family received ongoing encouragement, essentials like healthy meals and medical care for little Karunia. With support from staff, Angelina and Chandra gained a better understanding of their baby’s situation. Gradually, their fears lessened, and they accepted her condition.
Through home visits and activities at the Compassion center, staff encouraged them to think positively about their baby. Today, they are Karunia’s biggest fans and fiercest advocates.
“I started to feel strong. I told my husband that I love her even more than if I had a healthy child without disabilities. It is because of the strength of God.” — Angelina
Early intervention from the Survival program, including monthly medical checkups, helped Karunia grow and thrive.
Staff helped the family access a government program for low-income earners that funded a special surgery to create fingers on her right hand, while the Survival program covered the costs of her medicine. A second surgery followed in 2017 to provide her with more mobility in her right hand.
When she was old enough, a healthy Karunia graduated to the child sponsorship program, where she impressed staff with her courage and ability to learn.
“I love to play with my friends at school and at the center. I love to lead prayers and sing.” — Karunia
A Trailblazer With a Purpose
Karunia has continued to grow and is now a thriving teen walking toward God’s purpose for her life with confidence.
One of Karunia’s greatest accomplishments yet is her quiet work of changing the mindset of those around her. Karunia lives in a small community in eastern Indonesia, where physical differences are rare. She’s the first to be born with Apert syndrome in her area, which often leads to stares and hurtful comments.
“There are some who bully Karunia. They mock her saying, ‘Hey, look, it’s Karunia, the deformed girl.” — Chandra
But with the love and encouragement of her parents, family members and program staff, Karunia is a confident young lady who not only accepts her condition but is changing how the community sees differences like hers.
“I am beautiful like my mother. When my friends mocked me because I don’t have normal fingers, my mom taught me to say back to them that this is what Jesus gave me.” — Karunia
When Karunia isn’t going to school or attending the activities at her Compassion center, she’s twirling and praising God. Currently, she serves at her church as a tambourine dancer.
“I do enjoy serving at my church as a tambourine dancer. It’s always lovely to serve the Lord together with my friends.” — Karunia
To those who know her, Karunia is a gift — a testament to God’s faithfulness. She is proof that every single child is a blessing born with purpose.
“Through the programs at the Compassion center, I was greatly helped to understand my responsibility as a mother for my daughter. I understand that Karunia is a blessing for me and my family.” — Angelina
