Igneous Quill

For the past several days my brother-in-law, Marcelo Lima, has been staying with my family. We are his last stop before returning home from a support-raising tour of churches in the American South and Midwest. He is a missionary in Brazil. My wife and I intend to move our family back to Brazil in a few years, where I hope to work in technology and also help HOPE worldwide expand its outreach. Hearing from him about the current situation in Brazil has been both encouraging and concerning.

Brazil is making great strides in reforming its bureaucracy and promoting business. International investors are taking strong interest in the country and the upcoming World Cup and Olympics to be held in the country are contributing to new infrastructure and a renewed commitment to fight corruption.

On the other hand, the cost of living continues to be ridiculously high in Brazil. Everything from gasoline to cable television are luxury items for the upper middle class (although, of course, many who can't really afford "luxuries" find a way to obtain them anyway). Taxes overwhelmingly burdensome and what should be simple paperwork to open a back account or start a business can take weeks or months to complete.

When we move to Brazil, my family will be making some sacrifices. We'd better be ready for it. Brazil may be a giant that's awakening, but it's still a pretty drowsy beast.