From Amazon to Garden State

Summary

David Good's mother, Yara, was from the isolated Yanomami tribe in Venezuela. After marrying an anthropology professor, she moved to New Jersey and became a housewife, raising three children. However, after six years, she chose to return to her tribe, leaving her family behind. David, who was five at the time, struggled with the abandonment and hid his heritage. It wasn't until college that he discovered his mother's story and embraced his roots. He later reunited with Yara and founded the Good Project, a nonprofit aiming to bridge the Yanomami with the modern world.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 David Good's mother, Yara, was from a remote Yanomami tribe in Venezuela, which was a stark contrast to her life as a housewife in New Jersey.
• 🌊 Yara's transition from the Amazon jungle to New Jersey was filled with culture shock, as she had never seen modern technology or vehicles before.
• 💍 Yara was betrothed to David's father, Ken Good, an anthropology professor, who met her during his fieldwork in the Yanomami village.
• 🚗 Upon arriving in the United States, Yara found the environment and culture to be completely alien, even something as common as a Jeep was unfamiliar to her.
• 🌱 Yara adapted to life in America, raising three children and being a good mother, despite the immense cultural differences.
• 💔 After six years, Yara decided she could not return to America and left her family behind, choosing to stay in the jungle with her people.
• 👦 David, who was five when his mother left, struggled with the absence of his mother and internalized it as abandonment.
• 📚 In college, David read his father's book about the Yanomami and his mother, which led to a profound change in his perception of his heritage.
• 🌐 David embarked on a quest to reunite with his mother in the Amazon, overcoming logistical challenges to reach the remote village.
• 🤝 The reunion between David and Yara was emotional and healing, allowing them to reconnect and understand each other's perspectives.
• 🌿 David learned valuable life lessons from the Yanomami people about living in harmony with nature and community, which contrasted with modern life.

Q & A

Who is Yara and where is she originally from?

Yara is David Good's mother, originally from southern Venezuela near the headwaters of the Oronoko River, in the Yanomami territory.

What was Yara's initial reaction to modern transportation like a Jeep?

Yara's initial reaction to a Jeep was one of fear and confusion, as she thought it was an animal due to her lack of exposure to modern technology and vehicles.

How did Yara adapt to life in New Jersey after living in the Amazon jungle?

Despite the immense cultural shock, Yara adapted relatively well to life in New Jersey, having three children and being described as an excellent mother.

Why did Yara decide to stay in the Amazon jungle after a visit back home?

Yara decided to stay in the Amazon jungle because she felt she couldn't go back to America, preferring the familiar environment and lifestyle of her native village.

How did David Good's perception of his mother change over time?

David initially internalized his mother's leaving as abandonment and felt shame about her background. However, after reading his father's book about her, he came to embrace and be proud of his heritage.

What was David's strategy to avoid questions about his mother during his childhood?

David lied about his mother's death to stop classmates from asking questions, as the truth about her being in the Amazon jungle was too difficult for him to explain.

What was David's emotional response when he finally met his mother in the Amazon after many years?

David was nervous and emotional upon meeting his mother, eventually breaking down and crying as he remembered the comforting feeling of having a mother.

What is the 'Good Project' that David started, and what is its purpose?

The 'Good Project' is a nonprofit organization that David launched to serve as a bridge between the Yanomami people and the rest of the world, facilitating cultural exchange and learning.

How does David feel about his mother's choice to stay in the Amazon after reconnecting with her?

David has come to understand and respect his mother's choice to stay in the Amazon, recognizing the cultural and personal significance of her decision.

What does David plan to do in the future regarding his relationship with his mother?

David plans to spend as much time as possible with his mother, cherishing every opportunity to be with her and learning from her way of life.