TB I will use this response to you to hopefully put an end to this thread. If anyone has suggestions, they can send a private message. The purpose of the trip was to have Mark enjoy China so that he would want to come back later and see family members who live very far away. Just talked to him and he is discouraged in that he spends too much time cooped up inside and says that when he is out the uncle won't let him get more than 10 feet away. The longer it goes on like this, the less likely Mark will want to visit China in the future. There are many other things he could be doing. For instance, next week there is a Boy Scout camp that he absolutely loved last year. Sorry he will probably miss it this year, but there is some chance he may be home by then.

Mark, has done very well in just about all ways imaginable. Straight As the last 3 years. Many friends. Teachers love him. I understand the family's motivations and fears come from a good place. Yet, I am the ultimate decision maker (and so far things have been going pretty well) for what is best for Mark. If the family feels that they cannot in good conscience let Mark explore Wuhan, then the family should not be taking care of Mark, and it is time for me to bring him home under my direct responsibility.

TB your response comes from exactly the same place as the uncle's. The ultimate question is: whose judgment is correct? [Is Wuhan in the afternoon with a guide unsafe?], and if no agreement can be reached on an important matter then it is time for the child to come home. I appreciate where you are coming from, but disagree with your conclusion.