Thank you all for taking the time to reply. I'm still not clear on the answer for me, but it seems that it is decided on an individual basis and only
a bishop or stake president has the authority to decide. The CES class I take is taught by a former Stake President and Mission President of SLC.
He is very open and caring and fun. I'd love to talk to him about it, but I can't find him listed in any phone book. After class, he is always in a hurry to rush out to his next assignment. But maybe one day, when the time is right, I'll catch him and try to schedule an appointment. He almost always says "hello" or "how are you" to me before class, even though there are over 150 other people there. It feels like he senses that I might like to talk to him.
In answer to some questions asked here....no I haven't had missionary lessons, or even attended ward meetings. I've been studying on my own. I watch BYUtv and they have talks and lessons all day long from many Church leaders. I've watched the last two Church Conferences, I get the "Ensign" each month and study it cover to cover. The only books I get from the library are LDS books and I'm always learning, with my heart as well as my head. One elderly LDS friend that we knew (he died recently), said to my friend and I, "You know more about the Church, than most people IN the Church." For my birthday, my housemate bought me a Scriptures 'quad', which I cherish.
So for now, I will continue to work on my testimony and my commitment.
I can't honestly say that I would move out if I was told to do so by Church authorities. So, I can see that I have some obedience and surrender issues. All I know truly is that I love Jesus Christ, I believe this is his restored Church and I feel SO blessed to be a small part of it, even if not "officially". I know that everything will work out perfectly and exactly as it should. God is in charge! All is well!:)
Thank you and God Bless.
