Divorce Haven

Hey Friends!

I have some exciting news to share!

One of the most rewarding opportunities I've ever had is to lead a DivorceCare ministry in Kitchener.

This Fall I will be co-leading a new DivorceCare group at Calvary Cambridge starting October 6.

This is a Biblically-based program for those people experiencing divorce. I attended DC myself after working through my own divorce recovery, and felt called to reach back and help those who are on the same journey I was. Divorce is life-altering, painful, and a significant life event.

Are you, or someone you know going through a divorce? Please spread the word! Simply click on the link below to register.

I can't wait to meet you, and be part of your healing journey.

Calvary Pentecostal Assembly DivorceCare DivorceCare helps you heal from the pain of separation or divorce. Find peace of mind at this supportive group, which meets both online and in person, hosted by Calvary Pentecostal Assembly.

I thought this was empowering. Enjoy the read!

My Fiancé and His Mom Demanded I Wear a Red Wedding Dress Because I Have a Child, but I Had a Better Idea - cutiething.com When my future MIL saw my white wedding dress, she sneered. "White is for pure brides. You have a child." Worse? My fiancé agreed! But they went too far when

Considering drafting your own Separation Agreement? 🤔

It might save money and time, but it’s not without risks. While cost, flexibility, and privacy are appealing, self-drafted agreements can lead to legal pitfalls, missed details, or costly disputes down the road.

Before you take this step, learn about the pros and cons to make an informed decision.

📖 Read the full blog on my website—https://www.divorcehaven.ca/pros-and-cons-of-drafting-your-own-separation-agreement

✨ "It wasn’t about the decorations, the food, or the gifts—it was about the people who wrapped me in their arms."

This Christmas may feel different, and that’s okay. Healing doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from the love and support we let in, even in the midst of brokenness. 🌟

Your first holiday after a divorce or separation may be tough, but it can also be the start of something new. Give yourself grace, focus on the small moments, and trust that brighter days are ahead. ❤️

Read my story of finding hope and love during a broken Christmas in my latest blog post. https://www.divorcehaven.ca/the-broken-christmas. 📝

Separated or divorced? While you may be experiencing deep pain and suffering now, joy will come in God’s timing.

Join us for a special holiday event called Surviving the Holidays, where we will discuss the hope and healing that God gives.

Surviving the Holidays is a 2-hour event built for people who are separated and divorced. We’ll gather to learn how to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays. Will you join us?

Find more information here:
Saturday December 7th 1:30-4pm
9 Conway Dr., Kitchener

Please pre-register: https://www.divorcecare.org/events/253630

🎥 Dividing a home during a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when determining its value is crucial to a fair settlement. In my latest blog post, I break down everything you need to know—whether a Comparative Market Analysis, Opinion of Value, or formal appraisal is best for your situation. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE™), I specialize in providing impartial, court-defensible valuations that can make a difficult process a little easier. Head to divorcehaven.ca or tap the link in my bio for the full guide and let’s talk if you need expert guidance during this time. 🤍 #DivorceRealEstate #HomeValuation #CertifiedExpert #waterlooregionrealestate #kwrealtor #divorce #divorcecare #realtorkw #kwawesome #realestatekw

My parents are so inspirational. They met at a time when you simply asked someone to dance. It was late in the 1950’s. He spotted her in a crowd because her skin was so brown. She's always been able to tan like a bunny. Little did she know, he was looking for the perfect bride to be married to a farmer.

She was the middle child of six siblings, five girls and one boy, raised by a housewife and carpenter. She was a city girl with a longing in her heart to live the country life.

He was the youngest son to a farmer and his wife. His education was sacrificed as a young man to stay home to help his ailing mother, so he did what he knew best – working the land with horses, and hand-milking cows. My family heritage as far back as the 1400’s in Scotland has consisted of centuries of farming – it’s in our blood.

They married on October 21, 1961, and started their family right away. Six children in less than seven years, one at a time. I am the oldest. It was a busy household; we grew up poor and were reminded of that daily. We didn't ask for anything that we didn't need, and we learned the value of hard work and honouring your word.

My father ran his trucking business hauling cattle to the early-morning market at the Toronto Stockyards. He would deliver feed corn to the beef farmers, and did custom field work for local neighbours, all the while working full time as a farmer himself. If anyone thinks they'll die from hard work, he's proof that you won't. She would do field work, cook for the men during harvest, garden and start pickling and canning well into the summer. How on earth did they do it all?

Oh, the life they lived – in the first few years of marriage their dairy herd was hit with tuberculosis which shut down their dairy operation. They would start over. They started a mixed farming operation.

Several years later the century old bank barn burned to the ground taking ninety-six beef cattle with it. I remember slowly walking up the quarter-mile laneway from school that day, seeing the blazing inferno. My parents would send four of us to live with the neighbours for several days, keeping only the two babies behind until things settled down. They would need to rebuild and start over.

They designed and began to build a new barn. It would be a fresh start. In its framing stages it was hit by tornado-like winds and was ripped to the ground. They would need to start over.

Years later he was diagnosed with a debilitating disease that caused him to lose his ability to walk. They started downsizing the herd because of the diagnosis, and I thank God every day for therapists who never gave up on him, so that he could continue to work and live a full life. His healing kept him going and they started over.

Every one of the children had some sort of accident from chipped teeth to being kicked by horses - numerous incidents that would affect us all, some for life. Life on the farm isn’t always safe.

Oh, the life they have survived.

They are elderly now, but they stayed strong through many tragedies and challenges, and today spend time relaxing in their home. Yes, they are still on the farm. What’s so cool to see is watching them reminisce and that they are such good friends.

Happy 63rd wedding anniversary to Allan and Pauline Horsburgh!!

Read all about my tips for a smooth move while navigating separation and divorce here https://www.divorcehaven.ca/essential-tips-for-a-stress-free-move-during-divorce

💔 Divorce is tough. Moving during a divorce? Even tougher. 💔 Trust me, I’ve been there—not once, but twice. Packing up your life while juggling emotions, kids, and pets can feel overwhelming. But, I’m here to tell you, you’ll make it through. In my latest blog, I share the essential tips that helped me navigate this stressful chapter. If you're going through the same, give it a read—it might just make your next move a little easier. 💪 Please share this with anyone in your network who is navigating separation and divorce. Link in bio! #StressFreeMove #DivorceSupport #MovingTips #NewBeginnings #RealEstateWithHeart #kwawesome #waterlooregionrealtor #kwforsale #kwrealtor #Waterlooregion