KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Hundreds of children -- very few homes.

That's the reality in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.

Many children are looking for permanent homes and families to call their own. But, while the calls are many, the answers are few.
Recently, while attending a match event where prospective adoptive parents mingle with children available for adoption, I met a special couple. They hope their story will inspire others to adopt.

“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” said Tony.

That's how Tony and his wife, Gemelia feel after attending this adoption match event. They came with one idea in mind that quickly changed into another.

“Because we have boys at home, we thought we wanted another boy age 6-12, but it may work out that we get a 16-year-old girl,” said Tony.

The couple was swayed by Peggy. They say they were drawn to her when listening to us conduct an interview with her for another segment.

“She was talking and said she wanted a forever family. It just brought tears to my eyes,” Tony said.

“She was bowling by herself and and I didn’t want her to be alone, so I went to bowl with her and she was just the sweetest little girl,” Gemelia said.

The couple already has two children of their own.
But a difficult, life-threatening pregnancy and delivery with the second made having more children a dangerous option. Regardless, that didn't stop their hearts from saying there's still room for more.

“We have lots of room in our hearts and thought we'd come and see and prayed about it that god would show us,” Gemelia said.

The couple has been foster parents for several years and are hoping to adopt.

“There's no way to put it into words when that kids comes up to you and says I love you so much--there's no other reward better than that,” Tony said.

The couple said there are also plenty of hardships in foster parenting, but no more challenges than parents have parenting their biological children.

Bottom line, they say the strong, consistent love and care of a forever family can smooth over a world of hurt.

If you'd like to learn more about how to become an adoptive parent, go to our 'Carrie's Kids' page here at WSAZ.com. It’s under the 'Life’ tab.