In writing this, to save from confusion, I'm going to refer to Heaven and either Heaven or the Afterlife. And though I do not believe that God is male or female, I will refer to God as being male.
Heaven is all about us, it isn't 'up'. It's actually more of an alternate reality that's spread out all about us. It is maintain by what will be referred to as Angels and Arch Angels. Heaven vibrates, if you will, at a slight different wave length than what we know or can experience at this time. This will be discovered by people within the next century. They will not be able to understand what is going on beyond that there are living forms in it. They will be be able to communicate or detect anymore than a basic 'living space' . They will also know why they cannot do more than detected its reality.
Depending on your belief, you will see what you need to see upon first arriving in the Afterlife. For example; If you're Pagan, you'll see a Goddess, a Christen, Christ, Buddha if you Buddhist, etc.,. The surroundings may reflect these beliefs as well. The reason for this is so that you will feel welcome and that you are in the right place. Though there are times when a family member or friend is there instead of a religious figure. This appearance of a figure of Faith or family member or friend is to help you recover from the transition. Once you've recovered you will see a group of friends, family and pets that have passed before you, all waiting to greet you. This gathering will last as long as it needs to. They'll let you know that they love you and that there's so much more to Heaven than everyone thinks.
You will then be escorted by a dear friend, family member or pet to what will look like a small building made of stone, that looks like a ancient Greek building in its design. Here you will be with Angels who will guide you through your life on Earth in a review. Each living being goes through this, no matter who small or large. The review it there to show you what your life on Earth was for, how you effected others and how they effected you and so on. You effect every living thing you encounter or even pass by. For example; You're in a good mood and each being that you pass is effected. The same goes if you're in a bad mood. You reflect upon others how you feel. From here you will be guided to you place of residence and will be either assigned a teacher or an Angel will stay with you and refresh your memories of the life you had in Heaven before Earth. Each of us starts in Heaven learning what we need to learn for our life on Earth. Over time we will reacquaint ourselves with friends and family that we knew before our time spent on Earth. Once you've readjusted to your life in Heaven, you'll see that other than physical pain or deformities being gone, you will be the same person you are now, though slightly improved.
All through Heaven there is this feeling of peace You no longer feel the stress and pain of the everyday. You're aware of all Life at the same time. You're able to break this down to a single being, or let it wash over you. You find that you can hear others thoughts and experience their feelings. But don't fear this because it must be allowed, no one can just read your thoughts. You'll also be able to speak to others as you speak to them here on Earth. You're able to fly anywhere you wish from across town to the far reaches of space. You'll be able to walk or run and never tire. You feel at the best you've ever felt and think more clearly than you ever could on Earth. You'll be able to teleport anywhere you wish in an instant. You're able to see further and hear more there than you can here. You're body is yours, you look like you did both before you went to Earth and while you were on Earth. You keep what traits and habits you want to keep. You are both your own person, free to do whatever you wish and a part of something greater that you are aware of. You'll find that everyday life in Heaven is much like that on Earth, though there are changes that I'll discuss.
