The past couple of days since the investigation committee met with me have been very tense.  On one hand, I know that I have done my very best to lead a good life so far, but on the other, it's a little disconcerting to know that a room full of individuals, each upstanding in their own right, is judging you based upon your merits. 

But finally... the wait is over.

I was informed a couple of hours ago by one of the members of the Investigation Committee that I have been unanimously accepted into Union Lodge #19.  My future Brother told me they would be in touch after the Summer "dark" period sometime in late August to give me more information.  If all goes to plan, I will receive my Entered Apprentice degree in September / October once the Worshipful Master declares them ready for the ritual.  This has been quite a journey thus far and though it's already taken years, I know these next few months will feel equal in time.

I am committing myself to learning as much background about Freemasonry as possible so I have purchased a number of books from Amazon which you can see in my Recommended Readings list.  I have carefully chosen these books to give me a background on the Craft without divulging any of the ritualistic secrets - I don't want to water down the experience.