Soon the hallways of the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center will be brimming with Lutheran youth, eager to encounter their neighbors from around the United States and the world in the name of Jesus.

Picture yourself watching a dazzling performance of Latin dance on this stage Saturday night during the Fiesta!

Paul at work -- Interaction Center team leader, Paul Hill, shows his artistic side during a planning meeting. There will be many arts 'n' crafts as well as sports, exhibitors, massage, knitting, prayer, music and a huge Augsburg Fortress bookstore in the Interaction Center called "El Puente" ("The Bridge") in the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. Open 9 am to 5 pm on Wednesday, July 5 and 12 Open 3 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, July 6 and 13 Open 1 pm to 6 pm on Friday, July 7 and 14 Open 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, July 8 and 15

This picture of the Virgin of Guadelupe was commissioned by the San Fernando Cathedral. Make sure you stop by this historic cathedral. The geographic center of San Antonio is located under the old altar at San Fernando, a reminder that this city was built by and around the church of Christ.

Soon you'll be strolling the quaint streets of La Villita with thousands of your friends during the Fiesta on Saturday night. Remember to bring your food tickets and don't leave too early or you'll miss the fireworks at 9:55 pm.

At the top of The Tower of the Americas you can see for miles and miles. It just opened again to the public! You'll be among the first to enjoy the view in Hemisfair Park, site of the 1968 World's Fair.

Dina Tannous and Kara Vehar are getting things ready. If you are attending MYLE, you'll see Dina again. And if you ever have to visit the Gathering office in the Convention Center, Kara will be happy to help you.

Rod Boriack and Jon Vehar listen intently to an impromptu meeting of Gathering Staff. About 40,000 attendees from around the world will be flooding San Antonio soon!

Directors Bill Kees and Heidi Hagstrom lead an impromptu Staff meeting at the hotel, to make sure that nothing gets left out. About 40,000 attendees from around the world will be flooding San Antonio soon!

Donna Wiegel, Gathering Registrar, struggles against the sun to answer a question during an improptu staff meeting at the hotel. About 40,000 attendees from around the world will be flooding San Antonio soon!

During down-time, some Youth Gathering attendees might want to visit Sea World San Antonio.

The Youth Gathering Staff meets over dinner to not only discuss the upcoming events, but to share some good times over great San Antonio food at Aldaco's in Sunset Station.

The Alamodome will be the home of the Youth Gathering morning Bible Studies and the evening Mass Gatherings. Both will be streamed live from elca.org/gathering.

Caught from a moving van, Donna Wiegel, Gathering Registrar, makes good time amidst the downtown traffic.

A shot of downtown San Antonio. Can you spot the Alamo?

Bill Kees, Director, poses by a mural of Texas legends in the Sunset Station near the Alamodome.

Although empty now, these halls of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will be teeming with students waiting for orientation to Servant Life, an opportunity to serve the residents of San Antonio.

Setup begins for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event.

Setup begins for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event.

Setup continues in "El Puente," the Interaction Center located in the Henry B. Gonzalez Cenvention Center. Display areas will be available for various exhibitors.

Carter Smithhart and Rob Rydberg set up one of many Internet Cafes located throughout "El Puente," the Interaction Center located in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Ready to Climb? Workers assemble the tower for the ropes course, the centerpiece for "El Puente," the Interaction Center located in the Henry B. Gonzalez Cenvention Center.

Charles Boltas stands in front of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' "Thrivent Builds Mobile." Visitors to "El Puente" can tour the trailer and learn about what Thrivent is doing for communities in need.

Setup begins for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event.