We may have been separated at birth. I have had the same experience as you with friends. When the one or two friends you thought you had aren't there, it's a huge hole and feels lonely... and I also I know how you feel about church too - I have exactly the same history as you with that.

Are there any indoor playgrounds that you can take your child(ren) to? I've found that playgrounds (indoor in winter/parks in summer) are great places to start up conversations with other adults. As a result, there have been opportunities to meet up with the parent(s) and child(ren) again. You never know...not only the kids may become best of friends, but you adults might end up great friends too! Chin up! - Hope