There are at least 300 of them out there. Over a 20 year period, three hundred of our wide-eyed high school students have accepted her gift, most likely not fully appreciating the life-changing significance of the opportunity. For 20 years, Barb Moshier has served as Carmel’s own version of Secretary of State, shuttling back and forth between Kawachinagano and Carmel.
For 20 years she has held the title of President of Sister Cities, Inc. This is the organization, which fosters a relationship between Carmel, Indiana USA and Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan. Sister Cities, Inc was created to promote peace through people-to-people relationships. An affiliation which offers the flexibility to allow connections to form between communities that are mutually beneficial and to take on issues that are most relevant to the partners.
Moshier has taken 16 trips to Carmel’s Sister City and hosted almost as many contingents visiting here. When asked what she gets out of the exchange, she said, “Each trip I take, I am still just as speechless as the first time. I still worry about the food and the language, but then realize we are really all so much alike. It is a great honor to build an international relationship.”
Friendship is actually what describes how our two cities interact with each other. During a recent visit to Carmel by a contingent of business representatives from Kawachinagano which also coincided with the 20th anniversary of the connection, the deep respect and appreciation for each other was obvious. Stories about the 20 year history and how the two communities are able to learn from each other were shared all around. Although there are no Round-a-bouts in Kawachinagano yet, the visitors know every detail of how to create one. Sharing ideas from City Department Heads between the two cities has been beneficial to both sides. And, in the true spirit of shuttle diplomacy, Barb has even attended the wedding in Japan of a Sister City peer.
On the South side of City Hall, a lasting symbol of the relationship is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. There a traditional Japanese Garden complete with a KOI pond can be found. At the entrance, is a carved wood Gate made and installed by residents of our Sister City, Kawachinagano. Barb Moshier or Madam Secretary, should take great pride in her 20 years of service, fostering this relationship which cannot be held back by an ocean. Good Day Carmel.
