Up to the First Presidency

       I knew that last delay was THE last delay! So this past Tuesday Bishop advised me that he had received the last thing we were waiting on and he was writing his letter to the First Presidency as we spoke. He said that he would be delivering my papers to Stake President on Wednesday and then he would review the whole packet (including my letter and Bishop's letter), then write his own letter and submit the packet.
      Well things are well and truly moving forward. I spoke to Stake President at church today and he advised me that he is going to be mailing my papers to Salt Lake tomorrow or Tuesday!! Then he will follow-up next Monday with the Office of the First Presidency to confirmed they have received my papers. (I asked him to confirm with them, I admit I am a little paranoid about my papers possibly getting lost in the mail.) He advised me that once they receive my papers, then it is usually 6-8 weeks to get their response (or decision) back.
       I was overjoyed to learn this. After so many months of a vague time frame, it is truly a delight to be dealing in more concrete figures. I am hoping and praying both for the time to pass swiftly and for a positive answer. 6-8 weeks means I will know about my baptism by the end of September at the latest!! I am so happy and excited! Blessings are coming forth as I continue to work towards my baptism. I know that the next few weeks will be both good and challenging. I am going to stay focused on my scripture studies and keep working with the Sisters. I need to stay close to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ as I prepare for my long-awaited baptism. With them on my side, I cannot fail.