Hello sir! *Salutes*
Here's how I learned editing:
First, I spent a lot of time trying to make a mission JUST using the in-game editor. I got a real firm grasp on waypoints, triggers, markers, and synchronization. Then I started adding in a little command or two into the "init" field of units, such as: this setunitpos "down" or things like that. At first, I didn't even really understand every command I was giving, but I just copied and pasted that line from some editing FAQ, and I knew it did what I wanted it to do.
Eventually I wanted a little more, so I began to download other people's scripts, and learned how to place them in my mission, and I learned how to use them via triggers or the "activation" field of waypoints. Again, I didn't really know how the scripts worked, but I knew how to use them.
Last, when I had pushed the limits of what I could do with what I knew, I finally moved on to scripting. I read some tutorials and I looked at some people's scripts to help me learn. But one thing I noticed is that the scripting weren't really any different than the commands I had been putting in the "init" field of my units. Also, I have some prior programming experience, which helped a lot, but wasn't nescessary.
I'm not saying that this is the only way to learn editing, but I know it worked for me. Basically, take it slow. You likely feel overwhelmed because you basically are trying to take on too much at once. Start with the editor and work up from there.
Oh, one more thing: USE THE FORUMS!!! My learning rate at least doubled once I started using these forums. If you have a question, and can't seem to figure it out or find the answer anywhere, POST it, and you'll get a reply in less than 24 hours. The OFPEC community is absolutely wonderful, and there is always somebody willing to answer your question.
Good luck editing!