u/zirknosam

For some context, I was raised in a fairly conservative Christian home: went to church/youth group every week, learned Christian apologetics and how to “defend” the “worldview,” went to a Christian college, etc. I’ve read and studied pretty much every part of the Bible to some degree (I wouldn’t describe myself as a “biblical scholar” though). As an adult, I’ve moved away from the organized faith because of the rampant hypocrisy and corruption in the church and I question a lot of what I was raised on.

When I see people talk about the religious themes of this series (particularly the later books) people fall into two camps: (1) the people who think it’s way over the top; and (2) the people who weren’t bothered by it. I’m wondering if the people who are irritated with what appears to be a defense of Christianity/catholicism are like me — people who were raised in the church who have since “deconstructed.” I’ll admit it’s a bit of a sore spot for me personally and raises my hackles a bit.

On the other hand, if you weren’t raised in the church it’s maybe not as big of a deal? Or maybe some of the references are lost? For example, I’ve talked to a couple of people who didn’t know that “where were you when I created the foundations of the earth”
was from the book of Job. Chapter 40 in DG feels like an apologetics lesson.

This is purely coming from a place of curiosity on my end. If you were bothered by the overt religious themes in the series, I’d be curious to know your background and what makes you feel that way?

Getting back into watching the Timbers after a several year hiatus. Are the apply TV broadcasts always so terrible? Tonight’s announcers sounded like they were calling a high school football game. Also the audio mix was abysmal. Figured out I could put the local radio audio in at the second half which made it a bit better but still not great. Was pretty underwhelmed by the Seattle game too.

After not having to recertify my income since 2021 (and being perfectly timed to never move to SAVE) I finally needed to reapply from an IDR this year. My old plan expires in July. In early June, I reapplied and elected to just stay on REPAYE (even though the new IBR amount was the same). Within 2 days, Mohela told me that my income has increased so much that I no longer qualify for REPAYE. I submitted a new application for IBR that same day. I have not heard anything from Mohela since. I attempted to call but the wait time was 3 hours and I never have that amount of time to sit on hold during the work day. My "amount due" on mohela is now $0.00 for July. From the research I've done, I *think* this means I'm in administrative forbearance. Is there an easy way to tell? I've looked all over both Mohela and federal student aid but can't find any clear info. It's 2026 . This shouldn't be hard?

Also, Mohela is still showing that my old autopay amount with be processed in July. If I am, in fact, in forbearance, should I cancel autopay for now since admin forbearance counts as a PSLF payment?

Crazy to me that this is the system we have to work with and there are no clear/easy answers from either the government or the "servicers."

Edit: I've always been on PAYE, not REPAYE.

Headed there next week for an anniversary trip. I have a couple questions: the website says tips are included but all the reviews I’ve seen say to make sure to tip. Which one is right? If we do need to tip then should it be in USD or pesos?

Also looking for general recommendations/tips/“make sure to packs”, etc.

Thanks!