New Muslim with Many Questions

Salam/Peace,

Peace and blessings to you Semar,

My journey to Islam was a long one. My mother belongs to the Jehovah's Witness organization, and for many years I was pressured by her to join it too. I felt that her love for me would continue only if I joined her in that organization, so I did join it. I never felt as though I belonged there. I did not feel the presence of God there. I did not feel love and fellowship there. I rebelled against my decision to join by leading a life that I am now most ashamed of. I will not relate the details here. I was living a double life. Finally I found the courage to leave that organization almost a year ago. I tried going to Christian churches, but I found nothing but hypocrisy. I did not feel like I was honoring God there. I did not feel Him there. I stopped going a few months ago. Here is where the story gets interesting!
I found a job where an Afghan woman also works. I had never spoken to a Muslim person about their religion before because Muslims have such a bad reputation here in
America. I had been taught by the Jehovah's Witness organization that Muslims were horrible people, and that their religion was the reason why there is terrorism today. I reasoned that since I had made my own decision to leave that organization, that I would speak with this woman and draw my own conclusions. The woman that I worked with answered all of my questions patiently. She never pressured me or guided me toward Islam in any way. The more she told me, the more I felt drawn, until I was going online every night after work to research Islam and read the Holy Quran.
One night, I prayed to God. I asked Him to let me know if I was chosen to be His servant. I asked Him if He would let me know and guide me. That night I was plagued by nightmares and horrible dreams. I woke with a painful cramp in my calf. After tossing and turning in my bed for hours, I prayed again, and finally fell asleep.
I had a wonderful dream. I was filled with joy in the dream, almost as if the sun was shining inside my soul. I looked around and there were no buildings, only the beauty of nature. The people around me were smiling in the sun, and every woman was wearing a head covering! The entire population as far as I could see was Muslim! I saw some of my family members there, but some were not. It was such a beautiful experience! I cannot find the right words to describe it. The dream ended so quickly, almost as quickly as it had come. I awoke feeling renewed, refreshed, and with a completely different mental attitude. God had chosen me to be His servant. I went to work and the office was quiet-no clients came in-and I took this opportunity to tell my co-worker that I was ready to become Muslim. I said the Shahada in her presence that very day.
Since that day, I have felt like a new person. The worries and cares that I had before are now gone. The stresses of life feel as if they have been taken from my shoulders. My family has noticed the change within me and are wondering what it is, but they are not ready to be told about my Faith just yet. So that is my story. I'm sorry it was so long! I hope you made it to the end of my story and enjoyed reading it. May you be blessed and have peace.

Salam Truebeliever!

Welcome to the folds of Islam! May Allah (God) shower you with His blessings and make this transition an easy one. I liked reading your story! JazakAllah Khair (May Allah reward you for sharing).

I will try to look  up some prayer sites for you. Meanwhile do check out this website: www.suhaibwebb.com  [It has informative articles and advise].

Which city are you in? Perhaps members can suggest a good (helpful) masjid nearby. [If you have an iPhone/smartphone, download the Zabihah app, it can help locate mosques near you].

Let us know if you need any other information/help.

See you around :)