Stephanie's Testimony

I have known John and Val Norton for over 28 years, my entire life.  My parents were friends with them before I was born.  Aunt Val and Uncle John (all the teens who are mentored by them call them this, and they were like my real Aunt and Uncle) have greatly influenced my life through the years.  I do not know where I would be if I didn’t have them to speak into my life.  My favorite place to be growing up was their home. I was loved unconditionally and always felt safe there.  Aunt Val would always make me feel like I was the most special thing there and always gave lots of hugs.  I remember there were always lots of people around.  Everyone was always made to feel welcome whether she knew you were coming or not. Uncle John and Aunt Val were mentors to not only me, and my family, but many others also. They had teens that lived there at different times and if they weren’t living there, they were there enough to seem like they were.  When you were there you were family and if wood needed to be cut you joined in.  Uncle John made sure that everyone pitched in when things had to be done.  He was and is a great example of someone with a great work ethic.  Uncle John, even to this day, will give me a hug and genuinely ask now I’m doing.  He has let me cry on his shoulder more than once and he has shown how our Heavenly Father loves us.  Words cannot express now much it means to me to have Aunt Val in my life.  She is someone I count on on a regular basis for guidance and wisdom.  I think everyone should have an “Aunt Val” in their life.  She is like a Mom to not only me, but many other teens and young adults.  I could not think of a more qualified person to start the S.W. Michigan House of Hope.  Her enthusiasm and love for God is inspiring.  At the S.W. Michigan House of Hope teens will get the love and stability that they so crave and need under her guidance. I can’t wait until it’s officially open and running so others can learn from her and for them to have someone that truly exemplifies Christ’s love.  I wish I could go on but there aren’t words that can truly express the impact that these two amazing individuals have had in my life.  I can honestly say that I know I would have been on drugs and alcohol, promiscuous and possibly dead, if God had not put them in my life from the beginning.  Val is the most gracious and loving and giving person I know. It’s amazing that with all the people she knows she still has time to talk to me and help me with my problems.  I just wish I could be there for her as much as she’s been there for me.
I love both Aunt Val and Uncle John so much and constantly thank God for them.

Stephanie, Age 27