In August 2018, Rachel Décoste embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. The French Canadian ventured to the Republic of Benin in West Africa, seeking a profound experience of self-discovery. What began as a planned two-week stay in the port city of Cotonou soon turned into an extraordinary tale of love and connection. During her visit, Rachel planned to work from her bed and breakfast while exploring the rich culture and history of Benin during her free time. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a stranger would lead to an unexpected engagement.
Rachel, fluent in French, found herself asking for directions to Ouidah, a town she wished to visit due to its historical significance as a slave fort. It was here that she crossed paths with Honoré Orogbo, a resident of Benin, who graciously offered to drive her to Ouidah. The two quickly formed a bond, spending as much time together as possible during Rachel's remaining days in the country. Their conversations delved deep into their lives, discussing values and the diverse cultures that shaped them.
Rachel had previously submitted her DNA to an ancestry site, discovering that one of her ancestors may have passed through Ouidah. For her, visiting the slave fort wasn’t just a tourist destination but a deeply personal journey.
“is a pilgrimage that every afro-descendant should visit to remind us of the cruelty that our ancestors survived.” – Rachel
Rachel and Honoré's connection blossomed rapidly, leading to their engagement just two weeks after meeting. Rachel returned to Benin six months later in January 2019 for their wedding, marking the beginning of their life together. Within this short span, they celebrated not only their union but also the resilience of their shared histories.
“Just follow your heart,” he says. “Follow your heart with reckless abandon.” – Honoré
Their union bore fruit with the birth of their son and the creation of Woke Apparel, a business selling warm pajamas adorned with African prints. This venture symbolizes their commitment to blending cultures and creating something meaningful together.
“You’re not too old to just travel alone by yourself, in a country that you don’t know, where you don’t know anybody. You’re never too old to find love. You’re never too old to become a mother. There is no expiration date on opportunity. And grab life by both hands. If I can do it. You can.” – Rachel
Rachel's journey to Benin was initially about discovering her roots, but it ultimately led to discovering love and forging new beginnings.
“First conversations were about learning about myself, my family, my situation, who I am, who I really am,” – Honoré
