Peace to u Anyabwile
If u call any of what u typed here is rambling then what is sensible posting can be? if u have any doubt that we will be more than patient with u, then we dont deserve Allah's blessing of being Muslims Alhamdulelah.
Although I am not a revert myself, but I exactly know how u would be feeling or any other person in your position. But dont forget that Alhamdulelah for Allah's blessing of calling u, others spend their whole life in vain.
So if u have any questions feel free to ask them, about women position, if u browse the forum Insh aAllah u will find plenty of info.
About what is waiting if u take Shahada, dont overwhelm yourself with this, take things step by step, because if u step towards Allah one step He comes closer an arms length, if u forward an arms length, then Allah comes closer the full arm lenght (equal to the distance starting from shoulder to hand), if u forward towards Allah walking Allah Shall come to u running. It is all metaphoric of course meaning that the more u strive to come closer to Allah, Allah Shall help u out and pick u from whereever u r. So take it step by step, if u feel u r totally ready, knowing that there is only One Deity Who is Worthy to Worship, Mohamed is His final Messenger and Prophet, Quran is the word of Allah. Then simply take Shahada
We will be more than happy to help u more during this journey soon to be called brother