Who I Am Chris Rood 4/11/13

BIRTH Child birth can be a very scary and even a life threatening event, which is why I believe that my birth on May 12, 1987 was the most significant event of my entire life.

GRANDMA & GRANPAS FARM Visiting my grandparents out on their dairy farm in Coos Bay Oregon each year were some of the most exciting and memorable events of my childhood. My grandpa had fields and fields of flowing green and yellow pastures…. I tribute my days out on my grandparents farm for the outdoorsman in me. I absolutely love spending time with my family outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and even going for an afternoon drive through a mountain pass. I’ll always be deeply grateful for these childhood memories for they are the peaceful and joyful memories I turn to during my hardships and times of trial.

UNITED STATES MARINE I spent four years serving in the Marines and the discipline, skills, and knowledge I learned while serving in the United States Marine Corps truly shaped me into the man I am today.

MISSIONARY In the middle of my service as a United States Marine I made the choice to serve as a fulltime missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Therefore I took a leave of absence from the Marines and was called to serve as a fulltime missionary in Costa Rica. I spent the following two years of my life from Aug 2006 to Aug 2008 in Costa Rica teaching people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a missionary I also learned to be better son, worker, student, husband, and father. I honestly don’t think I could have been better prepared to be a husband and father any other way. My family is the center of my life, which is why serving my mission was such a pivotal point in my life as a young man.

FAMILY Working fulltime, going to school fulltime, and raising a three year old and an 8 month old are all part of being a responsible and loving husband and father. Like I mentioned earlier, my family is the most important thing in my life, I would honestly sacrifice anything for their wellbeing... Without my family I would be much less of a person and even less of a man. I believe that family is the center of this life. Without families and the experiences, memories, and love we share, life would be a very dark and dreary journey. Our community here in Utah is definitely family based, which is why my family and I love living here in Utah, not only because we have friends and family close by but also because of the wonderful warm and friendly family centered community.

I’ve only lived for 26 years, and as I ponder about all these pivotal points in my life over the past 26 years it makes me hopeful for the future. I’m excited to see what lies just around the corner for me and my family. I may not be able to predict what it is but I sure can make the best of it. I live by two mottos in my life, the first I learned during my time as a United States Marine and it is “Semper Fidelis” which means to be always faithful. I plan to always be faithful to myself, my God, and my family. The second motto I will always live by in my life I learned while living in Costa Rica, “Pura Vida” which means Pure Life. Living life to its fullest and never leaving any regrets or doubts. As my family continues to grow I hope not only be successful in my profession but more importantly I hope to continually set a great example for my children so that one day I can look back on my life and know that I have lived my life to the fullest and that I’ve always been faithful and true to Who I Am.