Assalamu Alaikum - My Path Toward Embracing Islam, Seeking Your Advice

Assalamu Alaikum dear sisters and brothers, I’m a 24-year-old woman, raised Christian, and for about four years I’ve felt a real pull toward Islam even before I fully understood it. From the start I found Islam beautiful and welcoming. There were times I drifted and got distracted, but since last year that warmth and openness returned and I’ve felt a strong desire to learn more and grow in faith. Along the way I met a kind Muslim brother through a mutual friend. We became good friends, and his kindness and example have helped my deen grow. He has never forced anything on me or pressured me to convert, but our talks and his support have encouraged me a lot. I even began learning Arabic to better understand the Qur’an, and I fasted this past Ramadan. I’m making progress, but I struggle especially with learning how to pray. Salah is still hard for me to get right. He has spoken gently to his family about marriage, but his mother is unhappy - which I know can happen in many families, especially when there are cultural concerns and because I’m not officially Muslim yet. I haven’t said the Shahada formally, and he tells me to do it when I truly feel ready. My heart tells me I should take the Shahada soon, but I worry: will I be accepted even if I can’t recite the prayers or perform Salah perfectly? Will he think I’m doing it just because of him? What I want most is to become Muslim sincerely, from the heart, and grow into a better person in my own time. I’m sharing this to ask for your support, practical advice, and prayers as I continue on this path that feels so right. Please make dua for me and, if you have tips on learning Salah or taking the Shahada with confidence, I’d really appreciate it. JazakAllahu khairan for listening.