More of Bruchko

By: Carly Le Blanc

11/1/07

As I continued to read Bruchko I was surprised at Olson’s respect for the communist students. He admired the true compassion they had for their people, even though of one nearly drowned him. As he travels to meet the Motilone tribe you can see Olson begin to shed his attachment to modern society. He packs a can of sardines but neglects to bring a can-opener; the technology of a can requires further technology of something to open it with. The Yuko tribe he came into contact with only really accepted him after he healed some of the children there with antibiotics. He had tried to leave but the mule mysteriously bucked him off twice, he took that as a sign of God to return to the the Yuko. He discusses a flute concert he has with one of the men that lasts for six hours. Music was able to transcend their inability to communicate. He travels to and from different Yuko tribes attempting to contact the Motilone tribe. He says that he knows that he will make it to them this time because he is going on the call of God, not for his own comfort. This importance on intentions is emphasized in a lot of other class readings. God allows Bruchko to find the Motilones now because Olson has a strong intention in mind. He convinces a group to follow him by exchanging a zipper but the group is attacked when they are near the Motilone settlement. Olson is hit in the leg and taken to the settlement where he receives little to no care. After a period of time the Motilone begin to give him food but Olson eventually escapes for medical attention late in the night. Olson emphasizes the importance of language and communication in interacting with the Motilone tribe. Even as he picks up languages they are different from tribe to tribe. However, as before things mysteriously seem to happen for Olson throughout his travels. He finds a banana bushel in a creek and even though authorities arrest him in Colombia—it is because of the arrest that he receives a meal and a trip closer to the capital. He struggled during his rough time with the Motilones for a reason for such treatment. He continues on, assured that his faith in Jesus will protect him. Olson also notes his appreciation for technology, the lack of effort required when riding on the train is comforting.