Making a Right Turn

She heard a voice saying, “So this is what I'm here for”. She believed it was God's voice. Janet wasn't surprised at her HIV and Hepatitis C diagnosis. Janet was 38 years old when her boyfriend introduced her to drugs. She wanted to save him, but instead she lost herself.

Janet got involved in an AIDS serving organization in Kelowna. She was probably the first woman to speak out about HIV/AIDS in the area. She reached out to others sharing her story to assist with prevention.

She has been searching for God for a long time. In March of 2007, Janet opened up her heart and gave her life to Jesus. Janet knew she needed a total change. She uses this example, “if every time you walk out the door and turn left you run into trouble, then you need to walk out the door and turn right instead.”

She shared her decision with the MCC HIV/AIDS Support Worker, Heather. Janet received assistance pulling her life together from Heather. Through the MCC program she found a nice apartment and was introduced to a Christian couple from Sevenoaks Alliance who take her to church.

She didn't know anyone else in Abbotsford living with HIV. Now connected to the MCC HIV/AIDS Support Group, Janet really appreciates being able to talk to people living in a similar situation. She also accesses The Lighthouse Centre, an HIV/AIDS drop-in resource centre that MCC and Abbotsford Community Services developed together.

Janet said, “Without MCC, I would not be here today.” She has been clean for 14 months and is volunteering with Positive Living Fraser Valley Society, an AIDS serving organization in Abbotsford. “MCC bridges the gap for people leaving recovery, who want to change their life. They helped me find my goals and realize them.” She was baptized in November.