Bruchko: The Astonishing True Story of a 19-Year-Old American, His Capture by the Motilone Indians and His Adventures in Christianizing the Stone Age Tribe

The narrative resumes at a later, unspecified time, with Olson being told that Bobby’s daughter is sick and has been taken to a hospital in Tibú. Bobby brings her there but returns shortly after to take care of his pregnant wife Atacadara, so Olson sets off for the hospital. Four days later, Olson arrives, but Bobby’s daughter dies the next day. Bobby goes into a period of intense mourning following this death in what Olson describes as his first real trial as a Christian. Eventually, he recovers, grows closer to his wife than ever, and becomes more dedicated to helping others. Olson recounts an example of when they encounter a boy named Odo (an orphaned troublemaker) at another communal home. Bobby adopts Odo and helps him morally improve.

Olson believes that this period is one of the high points of his life. Bobby was coming into the position of leader of the Barí, developments were occurring across the tribes, and Christianity was becoming widespread. One day, Bobby asks Olson if they can translate the Bible into the Barí language. Using Olson’s biblical knowledge and Bobby’s understanding of Barí culture, they start the process of translating the Book of Mark.