From Palmer to Saroma for 35 years

Most people never experience being part of the Palmer Saroma Sister City Exchange, for me, the visit was a twice-in-a-lifetime experience.

After going to Hokkaido, Japan in 1984 as a third grader with my grandfather and co-founder of the sister city exchange, Edward Holmes, I didn’t think anything could ever top that life-changing event. But being a chaperone in June for this year’s summer exchange proved me wrong.

When I went the first time, I was looking at everything through an 8-year-old’s perspective. If I’m being honest, 31 years later, I really don’t remember much other than some basics of the Japanese language, how to use chopsticks and the wonderful friends that I’ve kept in contact with — the rest I remember from a photo album and a 12-page, detailed daily itinerary that my grandfather wrote for me.

On my previous trip, it was just my grandfather and I touring Hokkaido, though he did introduce me to many of his friends in Sapporo, Chitose, Asahikawa and Saroma. This year’s group consisted of two chaperones: Kim Akers (who works at Palmer High School) and I; three high school students: Peyton Murphy, Krista Mahan and Mattie Stewart; four middle school students: Zane Carter, Zoe Copp, Ethan Copp and Tobin Hushower; our amazing host families, and the city of Saroma.

During this trip I stayed with the Murayamas. Yasuo is an amazing, hardworking father; Chisa, a fun, high-energy mother; Taichi, their first-year high school student in Kitami; and Chiri is their always-smiling second-year middle schooler who will be coming to Palmer in September. Last but not least is Keishin, their first-grade son who melted and stole my heart. They welcomed me into their home and made me family. They will always be a part of mine, as my first host family still is.

The last three days I was able to stay with the Omotes, my first host family — it was amazing to be able to stay with them again. Being with my host mom, Emi, made me feel like that little girl all over again. While in Saroma I was even able to get a picture of myself with our delegation in front of the local library, just like a photo I have from when I first visited (see Ethan Copp’s story from the June 28 edition of the Frontiersman).

As the middle school chaperone, I spent most of my time with the middle school students at Saroma Junior High. The school staff was very welcoming and friendly, and most spoke very good English. The students were wonderful. I loved watching Palmer and Saroma students interact. It reminded me of my first visit and how easy the students were to be with. Words aren’t always needed; somehow you always find a way to communicate.

The city, as usual, was very welcoming and took special care of us, not only making sure we were placed with wonderful host families, but providing us with a wide variety of fun activities in and around Saroma. Our first afternoon there we were treated to an amazing lunch at Saroma City Hall and were able to meet Mayor Akio Kawabe, Vice Mayor Noriyuki Kawamata and many other city officials.

Other activities included shopping in Kitami at Daiso, the 100 Yen store (our version of the dollar store), a clothing store, lunch and karaoke. It was great to see who had the confidence to get up in front of us and sing; I think Tobin and Zane were the masters of that, as they all got together and sang Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” arm in arm at the end. It was amazing to watch.

We also hiked Mt. Horoiwa, went for a ride on a fishing boat on Lake Saroma, made tole painting T-shirts, went bike riding, hung out at the beach and played in the water of the Sea of Okhotsk, took a cooking class at the high school and many other classes at the middle school. Just to name a few of the highlights.

Not only were we able to spend time at Saroma’s middle and high schools, but we also toured the local elementary schools: Saroma, Wakasa and Hamasaroma Elementary. Watching our students interact with the younger kids took me back to my days as an exchange student — again I was reminded, no language is needed, just have fun.

Throughout this experience Kim and I were able to watch our students’ confidence grow. They came over as students ready to have new experiences, try new foods and meet new people. In the end, I think they found out that they are stronger and more resilient than they knew.

My grandfather would love how his and Hiro Ishiguro’s dream of uniting two cities has grown and prospered over the years. Starting out with ham radio, letters and eventually phone calls, Hiro and I have now keep the communication open with email, Facebook and Skype — boy has the communication evolved.

Thank you to the City of Palmer, the City of Saroma and all the people that have kept my grandfather’s dream alive so that others are able to experience what I have. I can guarantee I won’t need a photo album and itinerary to remember the 2015 trip — these memories I will never forget. Now that I’ve been back to Saroma, I will return again soon — I hope to be part of the delegation going to Japan in five years for the 40th anniversary.

Tanya Lang is a resource teacher at Sherrod Elementary School.