Every organization is different in terms of expectations and policies. Some of those policies involve how often you are allowed to return to the States, or have people come visit you. I would highly recommend getting familiar with your organization’s policies before heading out to the field, because you want to be confident in what you are agreeing to. Obviously you can’t plan for everything, so conversations will need to happen when things come up; but it is wise to prepare as much as you can in advance!
That said, my organization allows visitors to come any time after the first six months. My mom was able to come visit last week during her Spring Break. She was my first visitor, and will probably be my only visitor, and it was the BEST. My mom and I are super close so obviously she has been hearing all the stories, names, and places since I first arrived. But there was something so special in getting to actually show her the places that meant so much to me, to have meals and coffee with my friends here, and to put all the faces to the stories I've been sharing from the past year. She was able to see me in my element, doing what I do, and just joined in. It not only made me appreciate her that much more for being willing to spend a total 72 hours in travel, but it also made me realize how much I appreciate this place and the people I am surrounded by. She saw the hard and difficult things also, as they are not easy to escape. Yet, she was also to see me laugh with friends, drive confidently in my city, and manage my busy schedule. This visit brought my mom and I closer, but it also gave me a refreshed gratitude for this place I call home. So, if you are going overseas, I highly recommend getting familiar with the policies, and encourage you to have a visitor or two if possible! It really does make all the difference.