"I have a confession to make"

I really do love Redeemer.

I am about to complete my fourth year at Redeemer and my love for it has only grown stronger. I chose to spend three of these years on campus because I love this place so much. I would not have taken part in varsity and intramural sports, Bible studies, mission trips, HAing, RAing, and other clubs if I did not love you. I would not declare communal meals on Wednesdays to be an important highlight of my week if I disliked Redeemer.

That being said, I must confess something: I have another love as well. It pains me to have to have two loves, just as it may pain you to hear this. Often my heart and time is divided between the two of you and if it has cost me my relationship with you, please forgive me. I almost wish I could spend another 10 years at Redeemer because there is so much more still for Redeemer to teach me.

I am also fully aware that having a heart divided between two loves can be a volatile situation that can harm not only one of these loves, but both. It certainly has not come without blood, sweat, and tears but I will press on to pursue both loves. I could continue writing about this burden that I hold but I would rather introduce you two to each other. My other love is Hamilton. Before you become angry or jealous of the relationship I have with Hamilton, I urge you to get to know each other. I think you will discover that you share many interests. I want you to know everything about her, so I will introduce you to her house and backyard, her family members, and even the stranger who walks through her door.

The best way to get to know her is by meeting her. That being said, I recommend the first visit be in her backyard. You will probably want to call up a good friend to join you because it will help break any awkwardness that you may feel. I recommend you prepare yourself by bringing a few things: numerous blankets, extra clothes, and snacks. Be sure to check the weather because it will either hinder or aid in your first visit. You could walk or bike to see her but a truck might be your best option.

Drive 5 minutes south along Southcote Rd. The cement road will turn into a gravel road and shortly it will end. An interesting thing happens; just when you think you have left Hamilton, you reach a fence that separates the countryside from the Hamilton airport. Set up your blankets either in the back of your truck/car or simply on the grass. Admire this view of Hamilton. Admire the fact that not only did God put the stars in their places long ago but God has also given us the gifts, ideas, and resources so that the story of creation can continue even through the invention of an airplane. What a beautiful backyard Hamilton has.

Here’s another suggestion: bike down the escarpment twice and up it just once. Enjoy the first time down, but use it as an opportunity to get familiar with the road. Then bike up it. Don’t get off your bike to walk: you can do it. Once you get to the top, pat yourself on the back because the first time is usually the hardest. The second time down, sit up straight, stop pedaling, spread out your arms, and let your wheels carry you down (editor’s note: don’t forget to wear your helmet!). This is one of the many rich experiences that Hamilton has to offer. I wish I could put it into words, but it is probably for the best

that I cannot.

This will most likely bring you downtown: while you’re here, try a couple of things. For those interested in religion and theology, visit the New Hope Bike Co-op. Get your bike tuned up or tune up someone else’s. Take note of how the Co-op has been able to connect an important need (transportation) with ministry. It is an opportunity to take part in the story of redemption by taking old and discarded bikes and making them new.

The environmental scientist might go to the newly renovated Hamilton Farmers’ Market and see if local farmers have what you are looking for. Go home and cook for the men/women in your house. No watching a movie while eating, no playing video games, and most importantly, no jokes about each other’s moms. You are the host, so don’t let the conversation ruin the meal. Enjoy the wealth of foods that Hamilton’s soil has to offer.

The social worker might visit one of the numerous soup kitchens but not serve a meal. Instead consider standing in line like everyone else and explore the differences between waiting in line for food and having the food served to you by family members and friends.

The philosopher might visit the Sky Dragon.

The chemist might attend a lecture at McMaster.

The businessman might look through the unique small businesses along Locke St.

Along the way, I hope you meet some of the same people that I have begun to love in my four years at Redeemer. Maybe you will meet Stanley: he would love to tell you about the play he wrote involving a famous escape artist, a world-renowned runner, and a guy named Robert. You would be blessed to observe Peter and Linda weaving their way through traffic whether the traffic be cars or people. Linda is completely blind and travels without the aid of a dog or cane, trusting Peter entirely for guidance. He does it with gentleness and care that I rarely witness in a relationship, yet they are neither dating nor married, just good friends. Allow yourself to be broken for this world as Imo shares the day to day difficulties of simply living. Sit with David as he opens up the Bible and presents the clear Christian need for a deep understanding of the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to go far to find David: he may just find you. In fact, you don’t have to search out any of these particular people because there are unique people like these all over this city that I love.

I say all these things because I want us to love Hamilton, whether it is the birds who visit the bird feeder out our back window, the apple orchard near the soccer field, or even the east end of Hamilton. We are a part of this city even though some of us are only here for a few years while others may live in Hamilton the rest of their lives.

Please, I urge you as students to love the place you are in: go out into Hamilton and come to love it. It certainly is not as exotic as the Caribbean nor is it as tranquil as the fictional worlds found in Avatar and World of Warcraft. I can guarantee this though: no room full of developers, computer programmers, and animators could ever simulate the depth and richness of experience that can be found in the world that is immediately around us.

I love both Hamilton and Redeemer, and I want the two of you to get to know each other.