I've seen too many GM's go off, offsite and onsite, and never return. Typically they leave for what seems only a couple days, which drags on into months. Therefore, yes, that's how things work. Otherwise there would be a heck of a lot of waiting.

I would have held much more hope if it was possible to squeeze in a post saying you would be out for a little while...

If this is going somewhere soon I will consider hopping back in, but I'm shamelessly filling up my schedule with dedicated roleplays...