The Dream Forum retreat in Princeton ended just before an intense and difficult week, and then a summer that tested me both professionally and personally. Work was chaotic, everything seemed to be unraveling, and at the same time, I learned my mother didn’t have much time left. I went from the warmth and connection of the retreat straight into a whirlwind of frustration, sadness, and grief.
In the middle of all that—losing my mom, planning her memorial, and juggling the mess at work—I managed to carve out small pockets of time. Time to work through the retreat exercises, to pray with my prayer partner, and to keep inching toward my dream. Strangely enough, all the chaos ended up giving me some clarity. I started to see how God had been getting me ready for this season long before I even realized it.
Even with the exhaustion and confusion, I began to notice my strengths in a new light. People were telling me I was holding things together, that my leadership was making a difference. I wasn’t just some older woman in the background—I was bringing wisdom, insight, and support in ways I hadn’t seen before.
That’s when things started clicking for me. In moments where doubt could have easily crept in, I felt confirmation instead. I wasn’t just capable—I was more than capable of making this dream a reality. This wasn’t wishful thinking anymore; it was real, backed by experience and confidence.
God didn’t lead me to Dreamer Forum by accident. His hand was woven into every part of it. The other dreamers inspired me, and I found myself looking at each person with deep admiration. Even listening prayer, which felt a little foreign to me at first, became a powerful gift—offering inspiration, confirmation, and confidence.
And now, as I sit with this dream that has been in my heart for so long, the path forward feels clearer. The dream of running a salon in Europe isn’t just a far-off fantasy anymore. It’s becoming real, piece by piece. The next steps are right in front of me, and for the first time, I feel a kind of trust I didn’t have before.
As I think about everything that’s happened during Dream Forum, a few key lessons stand out. Perseverance is at the top of the list. Even in the hardest moments of loss and upheaval, there’s still space for my dream. What really surprised me was how much clarity came from the very struggles I thought would derail me. The chaos at work revealed strengths I hadn’t fully appreciated in myself before, and that confidence has been an unexpected gift.
What was hard? The emotional exhaustion. Balancing grief, frustration, and the demands of leadership was overwhelming at times. But even in the mess, I kept returning to this vision that’s been planted in me for so long. I learned that resilience isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about finding moments of grace, rest, and connection in the middle of everything.
So, how does this all tie into Peregrine Immersion Salon? It feels like all these twists and turns have been preparing me for this. My dream isn’t just about creating a beautiful, immersive experience for pilgrims. It’s about inviting people into something bigger, something older, something that connects them to the rich layers of art, history, faith, and culture in Europe. It’s about the beauty of connection—between people, places, and ideas.
Peregrine Immersion Salon isn’t just a business idea. It’s about creating space for transformation. I want pilgrims to experience the “Cathedral Effect,” where they’re swept up in the beauty and wonder of the places they visit, feeling a sense of awe that brings them closer to something profound. It’s more than tourism; it’s about deeper understanding and a sense of belonging in the world.
And now, as Dream Forum comes to an end, the path forward feels even clearer. I can see how God has been weaving everything together—preparing me, giving me the skills, wisdom, and relationships to make this dream come alive. The next steps feel more tangible. I’m ready to step into this next chapter.
Lauren Brown is one of twelve Dreamers in Goldenwood’s 2024 Dream Forum. This reflection is part of Goldenwood’s #InsidetheDreamPod series. Hear more from Lauren at the Dream Forum on November 7th.
About Lauren’s Dream, Peregrine Immersion Salon: My dream is to host, in Europe, a well curated exploration of art, history, food, culture to expand a traveler’s ( pilgrim or “ peregrini”) quest by setting apart a week in a unique venue with expert led workshops, discussions and experiences. To ground others in a larger story in the context of an immersive retreat in a cross cultural setting.