While not necessarily missionary furlough examples, missionaries would do well to consider the purposefulness of communication from Paul when he was preparing to visit churches and individuals (Romans 15:24, 1 Corinthians 16:5 and Philemon 22). Upon examination, we see two spiritual gifts in tethers of connection between missionaries and those whom love and support them.

Administrations (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Questions pre-field missionaries and the home church to discuss:

1. Is it important to keep any children on an educational schedule?
2. Considering what goals are to be accomplished on furlough, then ask: how much time is needed to accomplish those goals?
3. Are there certain times of the year ministry patterns, or weather, make it better to travel?
4. Is vacation part of furlough, making it at least partially restful and refreshing?  The other option is furlough is part of the labor and getting away happens in the host country.
5. How much, if any, funds should be regularly set into a furlough account.

Whirlough: this is typically two or three weeks every year. 

Short: many missionaries find six to eight weeks every two years to be about right.

Full: taking six to 12 months for furlough every three to five years is a tried and true pattern. 

Hospitality (3 John 1:5-8)

Stiring up the gifts within the home church and larger body of Christ to help God's global ambassadors and therefore serve His global endeavors.