Beyond The Sun and full of memories

We were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own. It’s funny the childhood memories that stick with you decades later. For me one of the first ones that come to mind is a family trip was our visit to Land of Oz. Land of Oz isn’t just a metaphor, back in the early 70’s it was a real place in Beech Mountain, NC. This was a theme park devoted to its classic moniker and our family, who never traveled, went there for some reason. I remember that it was the first time I had to have the family stop the car so that I could use the bathroom on the side of a highway, lots of yellow brick, potentially scary costumes for a 6 year old and much more. These memories tie in with Beyond the Sun, a new family movie about travel and adventure that’s based on stories from the Bible. To celebrate the film’s release we’re giving away at $50 gift card to Target and the film makers are sending one winner and three guests to Italy where they’ll receive a private tour of the Vatican, plus front row tickets to an audience with Pope Francis.

Back to Land of Oz. I don’t have any photos of the place, but when I see photos from the website they trigger memories that I’ve long since forgotten. At one point we had some touristy souvenirs, the uphill climb of yellow bricks was a bit strenuous for a small kid and it was one of the first times I read something to my parents. “Dad, you better put your pipe out, because it says no smoking”, I said. People still smoked pipes back then, you can tell it was the early 70’s. I was probably wearing corduroy pants and had a bowl haircut that was entirely too long too.

The rest of our family road trips were to the beach. Maybe it was because this one wasn’t to the beach as to why it stands out in my memory. It could also be the kitschy presentation of a theme park modeled after The Wizard of Oz. Having said that, the park is open again in the spring and fall for a couple weekends and the first time it works with our schedule we’ll be visiting.

To that end, Beyond The Sun is a modern-day story of hope and courage that are based on the Bible. They’re from a group of children’s perspective as they question things, have adventures and search for God. If they’re religious, agnostic or atheists, kids are naturally curious about God. They’re curious about everything. Our first born son was 4 when we passed a cemetery and he asked, “Is that where God lives”?

Beyond The Sun also stars Pope Francis. He makes an appearance in the film as he chats with the kids and answers some of their questions. We’re giving away a $50 gift card to Target as part of this promotion-and that’s pretty cool. However, AMBI Media Group are giving away a trip to Italy for one person and their three friends. They’ll tour the Vatican, get up close with Pope Francis, try some fabulous Italian pizza and more.

Beyond The Sun is available now on VOD at iTunes, Amazon and Tugg.

I lived in northern Italy for a little bit and their pizza really is fabulous. It sounds like a stereotype, but it’s one of the best things I remember about my time there. This is a chance for you to win a trip there and do things that people only dream about in a once-of-a-lifetime trip.

To enter the $50 gift card drawing to Target just leave a comment below. We’ll choose the winner on May 31 at 8:00PM. To enter the trip to Italy, just visit the website and follow their instructions.