While visiting the Machalilla National Park on Isla De La Plata, our guide gave us one piece of advice: leave only your footprints. This is a saying I have seen posted on various occasions. I’ve seen it in parks, on beaches, and while taking many vacations. It is a creative way to remind people that they need to pick up after themselves, and to not harm the environment.
I’ve tried to live by this saying for years, until this moment. “Leave only your footprints.” This means leaving no trace of you behind, and taking nothing with you. I think that is the worst thing a tourist of any area can do.
Over the past few days, we have had the privilege to volunteer at a school in Ayampe, Ecuador. We played various games with the children, cleaned up their courtyard, built benches and a volleyball court, and distributed school supplies among the 71 students who attend the school.
Our footprints are left in the dirt from playing with the students. Our sweat is left on the pavement from the lifting, sweeping, and shoveling of various materials. Our spirit is left on the volleyball court as our group played the inaugural game, while integrated with the Ecuadorians. Our love and compassion is left for each and every child we interacted with this week.
As we walked to board our bus, some of the students came running to give us a few last minute hugs and asked, “¿vienes mañana?”- are you coming tomorrow? This is when I knew that we were leaving more than footprints. This is when I knew that I was taking so much with me. I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.
It is said to only leave footprints, but I promise every trip will mean so much more if you disobey this one rule. Leave happiness, and take back memories. 
