Time Away from Church?

I once spent time away from church. When I was 11, my grandmother died and it too painful for me to go back to the place where I had so many happy memories of her. During my time away I believed in God but I now realize the value of a community of believers who help you grow. It is a lot harder to be Christian outside the church than it is inside. I had a hard time in my teens; I was bullied, suffered glandular fever and was not in a good place. However at 19, after prompting from God I went back and it is the best thing I ever did.