FBL :: IWelcome To El Paso!

From a personal point of view…

I love this place! I have grown to love our host City of El Paso

and at this point in my life, I can’t envision living anywhere else.

I’ve had my ups, downs, bumps and bruises since living in this

area; however, I still say, this place makes you pick yourself

up, dust yourself off and try, try again.

No matter which of life’s challenges you’ll face, some things

are sure…Your faith will be tested here—Your endurance will

be tested here—Love of self will be tested here. If

you’re still standing upon transitioning from Fort Bliss, you will have a story to tell. Not only a story of how much you hated or loved it, but one of which you either became weaker as a complainer or grew stronger as a person who tackled the obstacles.

I was one of the spouses who came to El Paso with major reservations. I couldn’t find a job; I didn’t know anyone and didn’t want to know anyone. I didn’t want to be involved with the Family Readiness Group; I didn’t even want to register my son for school. I refused to smile for fear that I would actually like it.

For some family members, Fort Bliss has to grow on you. Most of us who have come to call it home and have ventured to activities within our host city of El Paso, have recognized that it is what you make it. I come from a lively area of the country so I immediately recognized that no, it doesn’t have all the ‘bells and whistles’ that a major city has, but it’s getting there. El Paso has a certain flair that most host cities envy…the culture, people and the opportunity to grow with the city.

All my experiences haven’t been great, but the good outweighs the bad. Jumping into the El Paso community and all that it has to offer has been instrumental in my partiality to the area. Before arriving here, I was told to watch out for everything! That made my already high blood pressure even higher! I wanted to turn the car around and head for the hills based on what people were telling me. I have to be honest, when I actually drove into the city it was like a dark cloud following me. To me, that was a sign to “Brighten Your Own Day” and make the best of it.

Though I still have some ‘gloomy’ days, I now know that it’s up to me to indulge myself in the Sun City. This is my home and regardless of the many…MANY…trials I’ve had to endure and still endure, I love it!

I began to meet so many interesting people of from various backgrounds. I found that it wasn’t the city that was depressing me…it was me. I had to make the choice to make the best of what I thought was a bad situation. In the midst of finding my “happiness”, I have made some great friends. Some are like family and actually aren’t even affiliated with the military.

I encourage other service and family members to become involved in the vast amount of cultural activities the city has to offer. When you say there is nothing to do in this city, dig deeper. Enjoy and explore our host city.

Remember, happiness comes from within. From a military family member’s point of view, we must remember that our soldiers are new to the area as well. Sometimes they have to deal with more in a week than we will in a year. The last thing they need to hear is how much you hate it here when you’ve only been in town a month or two. Give it a chance.

Fort Bliss is full of positive family members who are willing to share their good and bad experiences about living in the area. Just remember, if you surround yourself with negative people, you’ll become just that. Find some positive reinforcement and make the best of your time.

Enjoy...El Paso!

Moni, Founder

moni@fortblisslife.com

Military Kids/Teens On The Move