Am I really on a deployment?

This is the question I keep asking myself. Currently I'm in the Philippines supporting the relief efforts. I was part of an exercise that was suppose to start shortly in a week but when the tropical storm and typhoon came through the Philippines the Marine Generals sent my team early. I've been in the Philippines 4 days. I have had 2 days of travel, 1 day of treatment where I've extracted teeth, and another day of no work. Today we waited for the typhoon to roar through the country. You may answer yes to my question of if this is really a deployment... I've stayed in hotel every night and am currently staying in a 5 star hotel, obviously with internet. So I've talked to Melissa and the kids each night. The first two days I was here I got massages both for under $20, that's why I had two, and a manicure for $3. Once I got to the five star hotel there was a giant mall across the street where there were stores ranging from a 7-11 to a Rolex store. The massages are much more expensive but there are various restaurants. Of course I always try to choose the most American chain I can. Tonight it was CPK (California Pizza Kitchen). Tomorrow is another planning day to see where the Embassy wants us to help out, so I get to watch conference. You may say this isn't a deployment but maybe a vacation without Melissa and the kids. Before you say this remember that the treatment days that will follow will be in a dirty, crappy, muddy, typhoon beaten down communities. My team and I will have the opportunity to provide much needed and valuable medical and dental treatment. Have I made you feel guilty for saying vacation???

Okay now that you've thought about that remember I come back to a 5 star hotel every night :)

Thanks for being so supportive Melissa. I love you!