Lexi Dingman, a sophomore at Oakland University, has been involved with Next Step Ministries for four years. She she has traveled to many places across the world to reach out to various needy communities to assist them in growing both spiritually and individually. She has traveled within the continental United States, with her most recent trip being to Lexington, South Carolina, as well as to the wonderful country of Haiti, who has been plagued in the recent years by natural disaster. Ms. Dingman not only assists in worship and devotion, but she also helps with small construction projects. I had the privilege of being able to call her one of my closest friends, giving me the opportunity to interview her about her experience. The transcript is as follows:

Eaton: What made you want to join this mission?

Dingman: Normal missions, you will go in and stay there for like a couple months and leave to never be seen again, but Next Step has a vision statement "to be a place where short term missions collide with long term community development."

Eaton: How did you hear about this program?

Dingman: From my church. A member from my church had been involved with the mission. They inspired me to try my hand in service.

Eaton: Where did you go for your first trip?

Dingman: Nassau, Bahamas. It beautiful. We served in an HIV/AIDS infected community.

Eaton:How was Haiti?

Dingman: Well the earthquake was in 2010. I went 4 years after. People still were without homes. To think about the devastation is heartbreaking. The people were thankful we were there and they welcomed us to what was left of their homes. It interests me how people only recognize disaster when it immediately happens but seem to forget it like there aren't long lasting effects. Another thing that bothers me is that people don't want to go there because they think it is unsafe, but I went there for two years and I have gotten nothing but hospitality and love from the people. I even made some long lasting friendships with some people over there. I love Haiti. People always run from what they don't understand but no matter where you are from, people are generally made of the same stuff. Sometimes values aren't always the same, but everyone has a beating heart and the ability to love.

Eaton: What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your participation with the Next Step Ministries?

Dingman: There's two things: how to remain humble and that mission work isn't always obvious. You don't always have to go to some foreign country or to some specific location to serve. You can do that in your everyday life. Just be open to the opportunities presented to you. Anyone can need anything at any time. Imagine what we could do if we all chipped in to help each other.