September 10, 1976 (Letter from Barb N)

Hello.

So how are you?

I'm getting ready to go home from my mid watch.  Twelve hours is a long time to be cooped in a room without windows.  I'm standing watches with my roommate Darrel.  He is no problem whatsoever to get along with.  When Darrel was on leave I stood watches with Sharon who never stops complaining.  he could really get me uptight.

Before work I made your lasagna recipe and it came out pretty good.  I decided to feat on watch.  Laura, Darrel, and I sat down at the platters dish for a dinner. (Laura is my other roommate.)

Here comes Carrel now and I have to sort the message traffic.  I can't wait until they install the computers so we don't have to hassle with sorting traffic.  The computers will be here on the 15th.

I'm getting set to go to the Oktoberfest in Munich.  It should be an enjoyable time.  There will be four of us in the group.  Crosby and Nash are doing a concert at the festival.

I am anxious to get back to the states next summer.  I really want to go to the lake.  I have been dropping hints.  I will put in a chit next April.  The glamour of life overseas has faded fast.  I enjoy being here but not in the Navy living in Naples.  I feel too restricted.  It really doesn't matter where I go now because I still have a year and two months in the Navy.  I can't wait to get out of this outfit! I feel that I am losing too much "freedom".  I find working with officers too absurd.

Enough of that.

I broke down and bought an album by Firefall.  I really enjoy their music.  My guitar playing is doing fair to bad.  I plan to buy a better guitar and sell mine.  I really enjoy playing the guitar.

I went to Florence a few weeks ago and had a marvelous time.  I really enjoy getting away.  I want to see Venice before it falls in the water.

I was talking to a guy tonite and he was saying he has been a Christian now for 5 months.  He is selling all his belongings and moving back into the barracks.  I don't agree that the way to "heaven" is only through accepting Christ.  Man is put on earth to cultivate and nurture its growth.  I'm not saying we have done a good job but I believe if people weren't so lazy and selfish the world would be a "heaven on earth".  I believe in God and I cannot deny him.  I'm searching for a direction in life. But I believe fervently that we should strive to enjoy the beauty we are blessed with.  It's no sin to own luxuries if they are used constructively and not for impressions.  I don't believe we were put here to be persecuted and if Jesus died on the cross an innocent man it wasn't to shame us but to show us that he served a godly life full of good virtue.  If Jesus died of old age it wouldn't have had any impact on civilization.  I don't want to be frightened into believing I will perish in hell just to accept Jesus as my saviour.  I would rather live a good life full of positive deeds than to run and shout meaningless words to listeners who grow deaf.  Maybe time will change my views.  I am still very young.

Better end here.