Winding Down

My time here in this country is coming to an end. I have roughly 60 days before I leave and begin traveling back home. I don't have an exact date of when I will be home yet, but know that its coming soon. I will be spending a few days in Mississippi for de-mob before returning back to ATL for good.
I have learned quite a bit being over here. Most of all, how we as Americans, take a lot of things for granted. It's very eye opening seeing all of these people and what they don't have, living in mud huts, and basically doing whatever necessary to survive. I know I will probably go home and take the things for granted that we have but I now have a much better understanding on a third world country. Yesterday I got to see for the first time what the villages look like. After getting some dental work done I rode back from a nearby base on a convoy. I saw a lot of little kids coming running towards us waving and giving us a thumbs up. They seemed happy to see us.

In a few days I will be leaving my current location and beginning a new mission for the rest of my time here. Because of Operational Security I can't really say a whole lot about it. I will be escorting some ANA soldiers as they get more in depth training than what my team has been doing. So today and over the next few days I will be packing to go home. I will be leaving Gamberi and (hopefully) never be coming back. As I've begun packing I realize that it's hard to pack a years worth of my life into 3 bags. I have things that I will either be giving away or trashing some things I will be mailing home, sorry Cassie. It's hard to decide what I need and what to give away.

I want to thank all of you that have supported me and Cassie. Through prayer, gifts, care packages, being amazing friends. Whatever it is that you have done, on behalf of both of us, we greatly appreciate it. This year has been hard on both of us, and we could not have done it with out an amazing family and friends. Now on my aspect I really appreciate all the goodies and snacks. It has help to make me feel more at home. I know I asked not to send me to many snacks, but thank you for not listening. I looked forward to spending time with all my family and friends once I get home. Thank you again for all you've done.