Already tired of eating dust in Afghanistan

Ahhh, greetings my friends and family!!!

All is well here in Afghanistan. Went on my first mission today, went pretty good, had a tense moment but because of operational security, I can't say. This sucks, so much to say but the stories will have to wait until my return. I have to tell you though, this place is no doubt third world. Afghanistan by far has some of the most breath taking scenery with the mountains and just the history that this place holds. To think that Alexander the Great used to walk in these mountains is awe inspiring. The people are very friendly, on the mission today, we had several kids coming up to us and waving, giving us a thumbs us (which in this country CAN be perceived as an insult..to them, it's like flipping them off), we've somewhat "Americanized" the kids in our 8 years of war in Afghanistan. Makes me laugh because I do not know if these kids are giving me a thumbs up as in "Good Job" or just flipping me off. I just wave, smile and think of home, of my wife and two boys and what they are doing at that exact moment.
The only thing that I to date dislike about Afghanistan is that I am already tired of eating dust, you try to run on this FOB or driving behind another vehicle in your convoy and your eating their dirt..only thing you can do is take a swig of water and rinse. Doesn't bother me that much I guess as I think about it...I look at this as an experience and look forward to the day when I can sit my grand kids on my lap and tell them stories about Grandpa Flanigan's time during the war. You know, some people say that you have to live each day as though it were your last, I totally agree BUT, you have to look towards the future as motivation to get you through the tough and difficult times. That's why over the next year, you will hear me talking about what I plan on doing when I get home, the trips I plan on taking my family on, and the goals I plan on accomplishing both long term and short.
Well, I hate to cut it so short but I need to get going. I am in desperate need of a shower and some sleep.

As always, I hope all is well, my thoughts are with each of you.

-Jimmy