Elders have been called to serve for twenty-four months. Sisters have been called for eighteen months. Please do not ask for an early release because of family vacation plans, work, school, or other personal reasons. Missionaries are strongly encouraged to serve for the time period set by the call issued to them by a prophet of God, returning on the departure date set by the Missionary Department that marks the intended end of this sacred period of service. An early release should only be sought in rare circumstances, such as where a scholarship cannot be extended and will expire. Any such requests must be sought six months in advance of the scheduled departure date.